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Hi everyone! I’m excited to introduce myself as I take on the journalist role for Burdekin in the interim. I’ll be in the region multiple times each week, so I’m looking forward to getting to know the community! I’ve been with Life Publishing Group and Whitsunday Life Newspaper for nearly a year now. While Whitsunday Life has been my main focus, I’ve worked across all our newspapers behind the scenes. Before moving to Australia, I worked in Sky News’ political department in the UK, and during
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Bob: “Well I reckon what they should be doing here is some sort of festival that includes the children and teenage kids that gives them something to do and look forward to. In the modern age it could maybe be something like them four-wheelers where they could ride around the Showgrounds on their quad bikes. It’d be better than just hanging around on their phones doing nothing. When we were growing up we made our fun. Kids today don’t seem to be able to do that but that’s because there’s more res
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The Neighbourhood Centre aims to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where community members feel encouraged to engage in open discussions about everyday life. This often includes navigating complex conversations and sharing meaningful experiences to gain valuable insights. These interactions not only enhance our connections but also promote a deep sense of belonging and mutual support within the community. Two weeks ago, we provided opportunities for locals to present to other locals
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held its Annual 2-Day Shoot on Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th March, attracting 75 shooters who competed under sweltering conditions. Despite the extreme heat, the event was a great success, thanks to the support of sponsors including B & M Drilling, QMN, John & Gina Calligaro, CVS Mechanical, Russo & Vella, AGnVet, Lui & Inez Populin, NQHF, Glen Rea & Kirknie Station, and Burdekin Air Conditioning & Electrical. Special thanks go to Lui Populin for t
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The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed a fantastic week, with members coming together for a series of competitive and social matches under cooler playing conditions. The energy on the greens has been great, as the club continues to foster a strong sense of enthusiasm towards the great game of lawn bowls. With the momentum showing no signs of slowing, members are eagerly anticipating another month of great matches and good times ahead especially with the weather cooling. Ladies’ Social bowls on Tuesda
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The Home Hill Cricket Association’s 2024/25 Junior Cricket season is approaching its final stages, with the last Friday games and presentations at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex just two weeks away. Players have shown significant improvement throughout the season, much to the satisfaction of coaches. In the Challengers division, Nate and Jack formed a strong partnership, contributing 21 runs, while Aria and Olivia added 14 runs, both pairs remaining not out. Bowlers Jai and Harvey led
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Ayr Junior Golf held its first Monthly Medal of the year on Saturday, with 16 juniors taking to the course. The cooler morning provided ideal conditions, making for an enjoyable round. Winners were decided based on nett scores, with Zane Keating taking the 3-hole event, Tyler Smith winning the 6-hole category, and Parker Lawson claiming victory over 9 holes. The gross winners, achieving the lowest overall scores, were Opie McKeough (3 holes), Heath Smart (6 holes), and Oscar Mahoney (9 holes).
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Brandon Bowls Club hosted a successful Trophy Bowls Night on Friday, 14th March, with all eight rinks in play. The event was proudly sponsored by G K Diesel, with special thanks extended to owners Greg and Kylie Ainsworth for their generous support. A total of 62 bowlers participated, enjoying the cooler conditions, although some found the green to be quicker than expected. Nevertheless, the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Winners of the evening: Raymond Tortorica Sponsor Kylie Ainswor
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Kick back under the stars and enjoy a night of country music at the Burdekin Theatre on Friday, 28 March. Join Australian country music legend Adam Harvey for an unforgettable evening of timeless classics and new hits. With a career spanning over two decades, half a million album sales, multiple gold and platinum records, and nine Golden Guitar Awards, Harvey is one of Australia’s most beloved and enduring artists. Currently touring nationwide in celebration of his 17th studio album, Let The S
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IIt was in the year 1930 that a solitary bowler, Mr Frank Mulholland, approached a number of citizens of Home Hill, talked and preached bowls to them and eventually infected them with the bowl bug. The job seemed to be a big one, but realising that no job was too big for Frank, the 32 gentlemen present at the public meeting on 15th March 1930, decided unanimously to form the Home Hill Bowling Club. An application was made to the Ayr Shire Council for a 20-year lease of a portion of the P
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More than 30 people attended the first Burdekin Chamber of Commerce event of the year, held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr last Wednesday evening. A new and enthusiastic committee has stepped forward to lead the Chamber, and Treasurer Kari Ravizza expressed optimism for the year ahead.
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Selecting the right high school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It is a choice that will influence not just academic success, but also personal development, friendships, and future opportunities. With so many factors to consider—curriculum, values, extracurricular opportunities, and overall school culture—it can be an overwhelming decision for parents and students alike. In the Burdekin region, families are fortunate to have access to a Catholic high sc
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You can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it. Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dialling emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is re
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Ayr State High School is proud to introduce the dedicated students leading the 2025 Student Council. These passionate individuals are committed to representing their peers, planning engaging events, and ensuring a positive experience for all students. The 2025 Student Council leaders are: • School Captains: Sophie Robertson, Jack Power • Student Council Junior Treasurer: Oscar Mahoney • Student Council Junior Secretary: Addy Chandler • Student Council Senior Treasurer: Caitlyn Cheyne • Student
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Local All four Burdekin Panthers teams should have been in action last weekend but the Friday night fixtures in Townsville were postponed because of the weather. No problems at International Park on Saturday against JCU where the Under 23s won 2-1 and the Premiers drew 2-2. The Ayr Anzac Club Panthers and JCU battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw in a match that had it all, early drama, quality football, and a nail-biting finish. The Panthers were awarded an early penalty, only to see the opport
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Despite the rainy weather, spirits were high as students and staff embraced the festive spirit of St Patrick’s Day by donning green attire. Burdekin Christian College hallways were filled with excitement as participants took part in various themed activities, bringing a touch of Ireland to the occasion. Among those enjoying the celebrations was Miss Diamond, who was particularly delighted by the festivities, reminiscent of her homeland. The event was an opportunity for students to learn more ab
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Front Cover: Two local schools, Home Hill State High School (HHSHS) and Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) united to make the local iteration of the World's Greatest Shave a huge success. HHSHS expressed gratitude to key supporters, including BCHS Principal Mrs. Lorraine Wolfe, School Captain Harrison Lammon, and HHSHS Youth Support Worker Kellie Cooke. Special recognition was given to Kayli Betteridge and the brave students and staff who shaved or cut their hair to support those affected by b
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A man of the match performance by former Papua New Guinea International front rower Aiden Arusa helped the Roosters record a 26 nil won over the Bowen Seagulls at Denison Park in Bowen two Saturdays ago. Arusa, who has played four seasons with the PN G Hunters in the Host plus Cup, showed his vast experience by leading the young Roosters around the park in defence and attack last Saturday. The match, which is played each year, honours the playing days of former Bowen and Burdekin player Lona K
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Ahead of the transition from Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) to Marine Rescue QLD (MRQ), current members will no longer receive membership invoices as the local branch prepares to shift towards the new free service. The official transition is expected to take place in the coming months, and VMR President Ian Sutcliffe says they have decided not to send out the annual invoices. "Current members will simply be rolled over to the new free service," explained Mr Sutcliffe. VMRs across Queensland ha
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It is crazy to think we are about to say goodbye to March and the first quarter of 2025 is coming to an end. We have already seen some good rain and the wet season is not done with yet as the forecast for the next couple of weeks is still very wet. Let’s hope we see the back of the wet season before Easter, so everyone has the chance to get outdoors and enjoy this great country we call home. If you haven’t got anything planned for the weekend, NQ Fastrack is happening at the Burdekin Theatre and
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Last weekend, we had the privilege of hosting a BBQ to thank the incredible volunteers who stepped up during the recent flood event. It was fantastic to see over 50 people come together to recognise the tireless efforts of those who worked around the clock to support our community. We were also joined by our local representatives, Hon Dale Last MP (Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Member for Burdekin) and Fed
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A month after the waters have receded and roads have reopened, the response to the recent severe weather event has stepped up a gear with increased support for primary producers and businesses and a focus on preparing for future events for households. Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the changes delivered on the state government’s promise to community members and representative groups. “In my role as Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, I signed off on the boost to grants for prima
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Local manufacturers will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Queensland Government as the Hon. Dale Last, Minister for Manufacturing, participates in a roundtable discussion on the industry's challenges and future opportunities. The roundtable, hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, will take place on Friday 28 March 2025, from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at the Ayr SES Building, 4 McCathie Street, Ayr. A virtual option will also be available for those unable to attend in person via Microsoft Tea
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An anonymous family of six recently asked the Burdekin community for support whilst starting over after living without a home for quite some time, sharing their story of homelessness on a local social media page. With three children and a newborn under their care, the couple kindly asked if anyone in the community had any household furniture or appliances available for giveaway or at a low price, and the response was overwhelming. In true Burdekin community fashion, the post received almost 10
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On Friday 7th March, the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team announced their two Team Captains for 2025, and our very own Isla Chapman received this honour (along with Zane Saye from Sarina) and was presented with her uniform at the last training session before States. Unfortunately, for the 13 Ayr SLSC Nippers who were scheduled to attend the 2025 Queensland Youth State Lifesaving Championships as part of the NBB team, Cyclone Alfred provided more than just devastation to South-east Queensla
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