Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On Tuesday the 9th of June, all Prep to Year 4’s went to the Burdekin Theatre. St. Francis wanted them to watch Fractured Fairytale’s, because Mrs J and Mrs D thought it would be a marvellous performance and idea. First, we got on the bus extremely excited and wondering what to expect. The bus ride took forever! I almost fell asleep. Next, we got into the theatre and there were props everywhere (all over the stage). As everyone sat, the lights went pitch black. We knew it was starting. Then two characters popped out—their names were Henn and Felix. When it was done we all got a sticker which said, “I went to the Burdekin Theatre.” The bus ride back was just as long as the one there. So in conclusion, this text discussed the great time 3/4B had at the theatre. CAPTION: Student Ravenna Davies smiles with her Term 2 ‘Cold Write’. Photo supplied.
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A new venue and diverse line-up of local and visiting performers will offer “a bit of everything” to Ayr as the fourth annual Burdekin Gospel Music Festival returns later this month. Hosted by the Burdekin Uniting Church on 25–26 July, the festival’s customary community-focused charm will arrive at the Stardust Drive-In for the first time, accommodating growing crowds from across the region as it showcases a line-up of pastors and touring artists spanning country music, hip-hop and live art. Narelle Castorina of the Burdekin Uniting Church said organisers were especially looking forward to this year's iteration of the local favourite event. "We're really excited for this year—it's come together nicely," Ms Castorina said. "It doesn't matter what age you are ... I think everyone will get something out of it for themselves. It'll be a wonderful opportunity for people to come and enjoy country music … all for free." Saturday's festivities will begin at the Mackenzie Street church grounds with a sausage sizzle before featuring $5 creative workshops led by three visiting artists. Attendees will have the choice of a songwriting workshop with Tamworth-based, award-winning musician Brendon Walmsley, a hip-hop session led by Adelaide pastor Victor Claye, or a pastel art class presented by Melbourne artist Lynton Allan. Those interested in attending a workshop must pre-register by texting their name, age and preferred artist to 0477 575 972, with the $5 fee payable on the day. On Sunday, 26 July, the festival will move to the Stardust Drive-In with an ecumenical service at 10am before local artists take to the stage and children's activities run until 2pm. The weekend will then culminate in a free headline concert featuring Walmsley, Claye, Allan and special guest youth minister Dan Warlow. Food will be available throughout Sunday at the kiosk, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. The event is being delivered with assistance from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Burdekin Shire Council that supports local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Organisers also thanked Bendigo Community Bank, Wilmar Sugar, ML Partners and NQ Rural & Business Brokers for their support as major sponsors.
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Silver will shine across Airlie Beach this year as the Great Barrier Reef Festival unveils a special birthday theme to celebrate its 25-year anniversary. Proudly presented by Cruise Whitsundays, the festival returns from July 31st to August 2nd, with three days of reef-inspired festivities, entertainment and community celebrations marking the milestone occasion. "Celebrating 25 years is not only a chance to reflect on how far the festival has come, it's also a vote of confidence in where we're headed," said Festival Chair Heather Batrick. "We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received from both our returning and new sponsors this year. "Their investment is a testament to the strength of the festival, our incredible volunteers and the community that has championed this event for a quarter of a century. "Their continued support allows us to keep growing the festival, attract outstanding entertainment, and continue offering so many of our signature events free for everyone to enjoy." This year will see the return of the community’s favourite events, such as Saturday’s Main Street takeover with the Club Whitsundays Street parade and Revvin’ Reef Car Show, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day and of course the spectacular firework presentation that will kick of the whole thing, now sponsored by AirBnB. "Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand. Festival-goers can expect an immersive experience across the foreshore, with a large-scale reef art installation made from recycled materials on display in Fairy Tree Park, capturing the essence of the reef’s natural wonder.
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2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri says the experience greatly transformed her confidence, particularly when it comes to public speaking, and is warmly encouraging other young people to step outside their comfort zones and get involved. Representing Burdekin Christian College (BCC) throughout last year's festival, Giulia embraced every opportunity the Ambassador Program had to offer and said it helped her become far more confident speaking in front of others. "With public speaking, I don't get as nervous anymore and I'm much more comfortable speaking at events without prior notice," expressed Giulia. Having grown up in Brandon and now attending Year 7 at Burdekin Christian College, Giulia has a deep appreciation for the close-knit community she calls home. She loves that "everything is close and everyone knows each other," and believes events such as the Burdekin Water Festival play an important role in bringing the community together and celebrating the region. Grateful for the opportunity to represent her school, Giulia said she felt honoured to be selected as BCC’s 2025 Junior Ambassador and is encouraging other students to nominate for future festivals. "I was extremely grateful to be chosen to represent the school and proud and honoured to do so," she said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and not many people can say they have been an ambassador for their local club, school or business, so to me, it was quite special. My school supported me throughout the journey." Giulia's mother, Lisa Sarri, said she could not have been prouder of her daughter's growth throughout the experience and believes the Ambassador Program has helped shape her into the confident high school student she is today. "I was extremely proud watching Giulia's confidence and personality grow with each Water Festival event,” said Ms Sarri. “Giulia stayed true to herself throughout the ambassador program and embraced every new opportunity." While Giulia treasured every moment of the Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program, one experience stood above the rest; visiting residents at Regis Aged Care in Home Hill alongside her fellow Junior and Senior Ambassadors. "The part of the experience that meant the most to me personally would be attending Regis as part of the Ambassador program and entertaining the residents." Giulia said the visit gave her the opportunity to connect with the community in a meaningful way while sharing one of her favourite hobbies. "I presented a crochet lesson and they all loved it! Being crowned the winner was honestly a bonus after fun-filled months attending events and making new friends." Although nominations for the 2026 Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program have now closed and this year's Junior and Senior Ambassador cohort has been announced, Giulia hopes more young people will consider nominating for the 2027 Ambassador Program and experience everything it has to offer. "Just go for it," Giulia encourages. "Be part of something special! Once you nominate my advice would be to be yourself, talk to everyone and have fun!" CAPTION: 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri says the Ambassador Program helped build her confidence. Photo credit: Shay Kratzman Giulia Sarri loved every second of representing her school, Burdekin Christian College a Junior Ambassador in the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Bozzetto
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Queensland cane growers will be watching closely as Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) takes over operation of the state’s bulk sugar terminals, with industry leaders calling for transparency, fair access and reliable performance under the new model. The move, which took effect on July 1, ends a decades-long operating arrangement with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), which previously managed the terminals on behalf of STL, the infrastructure’s owner. While the change will be felt across Queensland’s sugar industry, Burdekin growers will be among those watching closely as the terminals remain a vital link between local cane production and international export markets. While the change will be felt across Queensland’s sugar industry, Burdekin growers will be among those watching closely as the terminals remain a vital link between local cane production and international export markets. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said growers had not forgotten concerns raised when STL announced its decision to bring terminal operations in-house, but the focus would now shift to how the new arrangement performed. “Growers largely funded this infrastructure, so they have every right to expect it will continue to serve the industry it was built for,” Mr Galligan said. “From 1 July, STL will be responsible for both owning and operating the terminals. That means it will also be responsible for making sure they are run safely, efficiently and fairly.” Queensland’s six bulk sugar terminals—located at Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg—are key links in the state’s sugar export supply chain. Mr Galligan acknowledged QSL’s long record as terminal operator and said growers would expect the same standard of reliability to continue under STL’s management. “QSL has operated these terminals for decades and played an important role in building the reliability Queensland sugar is known for,” he said. “Growers will expect that same level of reliability through the transition and into the future.” Mr Galligan said growers would be closely monitoring the new arrangements, including terminal operations, maintenance, costs and access for all marketers. “They will expect reliable operations, appropriate maintenance, transparent low cost pricing and fair treatment for every marketer,” he said. “No marketer should receive preferential treatment when it comes to storage, access, scheduling or pricing. “These are shared industry assets and they need to keep working for the whole sugar industry, not for the benefit of any one company or commercial interest.” Mr Galligan said STL would also need to demonstrate that the efficiencies promised through bringing operations in-house were delivered and that benefits flowed back to the wider industry. “Growers will also expect clear reporting on costs, maintenance and terminal performance so they can see whether the new model is delivering what was promised,” he said. “We want the new model to work. “But growers will judge it on the results—reliable terminals, fair access, transparent costs and a clear commitment to keeping sugar first. CAPTION: CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Gilligan says the organisation will be “paying close attention” as Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) takes over operation of the state’s bulk sugar terminals. Photo supplied.
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Strong throughput and above-budget sugar content mark best week of the 2026 crush so far Burdekin sugar mills have recorded their strongest week of the 2026 crushing season so far, processing more than 380,000 tonnes of cane in the week ending July 4. The region’s four mills crushed a combined 380,733 tonnes during week five, exceeding expectations and bringing the season total to 1.65 million tonnes. Throughput for the week was above budget and the highest recorded so far this season, while average sugar content also remained strong. Kalamia Mill led the weekly improvement, processing more than 83,000 tonnes of cane, its highest weekly throughput of the season. Invicta Mill recorded the highest individual output for the week with 139,707 tonnes crushed, followed by Kalamia (83,196 tonnes), Inkerman (81,790 tonnes) and Pioneer (76,040 tonnes). Season-to-date, the Burdekin region has now processed 1,654,676 tonnes of cane. Sugar quality remained above expectations, with the region recording an average commercial cane sugar (CCS) level of 14.40 for the week—nearly one unit above budget. Invicta recorded the highest weekly CCS among the mills at 14.56, followed by Kalamia (14.39), Pioneer (14.34) and Inkerman (14.18). The strongest individual CCS result came from a rake of Q183 plant cane supplied from the Jardine productivity district, recording 17.60. Cane Supply Manager Chris Scovazzi reminded harvesting groups to continue following cane siding procedures to protect workers and maintain efficient operations across the network. Harvesting operators are encouraged to ensure all workers have completed the mandatory siding induction, with procedures in place to safeguard users of the cane railway network. CAPTION: Burdekin sugar mills have recorded their strongest week of the 2026 crushing season so far, processing more than 380,000 tonnes of cane in the week ending July 4. Photo: Website/Wilmar Sugar and Renewables
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Lower Burdekin Meals on Wheels has waved goodbye to one of its longest-serving volunteers, Betty Durrant, who steps away from the organisation after nearly 40 years of service. Ms Durrant’s decades-long service was celebrated last month during a morning tea at Meals on Wheels kitchen on Macmillan Street, Ayr, where she was formally thanked by her peers for her contributions both as a cook and as a delivery driver. Committee Business Manager Gail Minehan said Ms Durrant's presence in the kitchen would be greatly missed. “Betty was a very valued volunteer,” she said. “We’re all going to miss the talks and the camaraderie that she brought to the kitchen. She dedicated her time to us, and we greatly appreciate her—and all our volunteers—for that. “We wish Betty all the best after her 40 years, a huge milestone.” Ms Durrant’s passion for volunteering was born from her husband Arthur’s involvement with Rotary, which inspired her to take part in community fundraising efforts before eventually joining Meals on Wheels. She first joined the organisation as a delivery volunteer before moving into the kitchen, a role she preferred and would ultimately spend most of her four-decade stint doing. Her dedication to community service was eventually recognised in 2025 with a Lifetime Service Award at the Australia Day Awards for her contributions to Meals on Wheels, Finlay’s and the Ayr Golf Club, of which she is a life member. She said that throughout her years at the organisation, she had made “wonderful friends” and seen firsthand that the value of its work extended far beyond simply providing meals. “I’ve seen lots of changes in those years … and I met lots of wonderful people. That's the amazing thing about volunteering—it really is,” Ms Durrant said. “It’s a great service for the people, and sometimes it’s the only people [customers] see all day—the person that delivers their meal. “You realise the need for it … and you keep at it because it's a service to the town and to the people. I like helping people, and I always have. To me, it's no effort.” She admitted it was difficult to leave knowing volunteers were needed, but acknowledged “you’ve got to pull the pin at some point.” She now encourages community members to step up and help keep Meals on Wheels rolling. “If you find it’s not your thing, you don’t have to go … but just give it a try,” she said. Ms Minehan said volunteers of all ages and backgrounds were welcome, particularly following the recent departures of both Ms Durrant and another long-serving volunteer, Vanda, who was also recognised for her service. “We appreciate all our volunteers, whether they’ve been here five minutes or 40 years,” she said. “We are grateful for whatever time anyone can spare, whether it’s one hour, two hours a week—it doesn’t matter how small. “Anyone who's looking to give something back to the community, whether in the kitchen or on delivery, is more than welcome to join our team.” Anyone seeking further information is encouraged to either email the organisation at mowayr@bigpond.com or drop into the kitchen at 109 Macmillan Street, Ayr. CAPTION: Lower Burdekin Meals on Wheels has waved goodbye to one of its longest serving volunteers, Betty Durrant, who leaves her post at the organisation after nearly 40 years of service. Photo supplied.
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Burdekin local Giovanna Castorina has been turning simple ingredients into mouth-watering Italian dishes for years. Now, she’s letting locals in on her secret. The self-taught cook behind Giovanna’s Cucina in Home Hill is preparing to launch a series of cooking classes, giving residents the opportunity to create restaurant-calibre meals from their own kitchens. Born out of regular requests from Facebook followers eager to learn her tricks, Giovanna will teach each class herself, imparting the culinary flair that has seen her business become a local favourite. “A lot of people have been asking for it over the last couple of years,” she said. “Every time I put something on my [social media] stories of what I’m cooking at home, everyone always messages and says, ‘can I have the recipe!’” Classes will be hosted at her shop on Home Hill’s Eighth Avenue, offering a more intimate and hands-on experience to classes of six to eight people. Each session will feature a rotating theme, with ideas ranging from fresh pasta and Italian feasts to midweek meals, slow-cooker dishes, beginner essentials—perfect for uni students—and a ‘husbands who cook’ class. Giovanna says the goal is to share unique, cost-effective cooking ideas that can be easily adopted in the kitchen at home. “Times are tough at the moment, and people aren’t going out to eat as much. They want to cook at home—but at the same time, finding ideas, or even just the know-how, can be tough,” she said. “I want people to go home and try something they’ve never tried before, whether it’s crème brûlée, fresh pasta, or even just a midweek dinner that they never would’ve thought to do otherwise.” Participants will prepare a three- to four-course meal, including an entrée, main and dessert, before sitting down to enjoy the creations and taking the recipes home. Giovanna says each class will offer a fun, social experience, with private sessions also available for a ladies’ night out, workplace team-building session, or simply trying something new with friends. The classes will be open to anyone aged 15 and over, with no prior cooking experience required. Stay tuned to Giovanna’s Cucina’s Facebook page for further updates. CAPTION: Self-taught cook Giovanna Castorina is preparing to launch a series of cooking classes, giving residents the opportunity to create restaurant-calibre meals from their own kitchens. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
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Council is preparing to commence important road reconstruction works on Upper Haughton Road between Malone Road and Norris Road. The project will involve reconstruction of approximately two kilometres of roadway, including subgrade stabilisation and asphalt replacement where structural improvements are required. Construction is expected to commence in mid-July, with a side track to be provided to ensure traffic can continue to flow safely throughout the works. These upgrades are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving our road network for residents and industry. This week, I also wanted to highlight the importance of recycling and responsible waste management. Waste disposal is one of the significant costs faced by local government and ultimately by our community. While many people still believe that all waste ends up in landfill, there are extensive recycling and resource recovery processes in place that help divert valuable materials away from landfill and reduce environmental impacts. Over the years, waste management practices have changed significantly. Gone are the days when rubbish could simply be burned or buried in a backyard. Today, waste is carefully managed through regulated processes designed to protect public health and the environment. By reducing waste, reusing materials and recycling wherever possible, each of us can play a role in helping to create a more sustainable future for the Burdekin. Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
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Now that Council has adopted its 2026/27 budget, I thought I would briefly explain one question that comes up every year – rates. Like everyone else, Council continues to face increasing costs. Fuel, electricity, materials, insurance and wages all continue to rise. While nobody enjoys paying higher rates, those same costs affect the services Council provides every day. I often hear people ask why rates increase when Council has cash in the bank. The simple answer is that much of that money cannot be used to fund everyday operations. It is committed to areas such as grant funded projects, water and sewer services, and reserves set aside for the future replacement of Council infrastructure. General rates help pay for the services we all expect, including maintaining local roads, parks, drainage, waste collection and community facilities. If rates don't keep pace with rising costs over time, councils are generally left with two choices – reduce services or allow infrastructure to deteriorate. On another positive note, construction of the new pump track is progressing well and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed by the end of the month. I look forward to seeing another community facility come to life for local families to enjoy. I've noticed the Deputy Mayor has already started polishing up his trusty Mongoose. I can only assume he's quietly preparing to challenge the Mayor to the first (and completely unofficial) pump track race.
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Planning for the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Street Party is now in full swing, despite concerns the event’s future may be in jeopardy without new executive members stepping forward. Chamber Vice-President Gary Roser confirmed at Tuesday morning’s Chamber meeting that paperwork for road closures and insurance requirements had already been submitted to facilitate the December event, with funding, money boards, donation collections and ticket preparations also underway. Despite the groundwork already laid, Mr Roser said the Christmas Street Party’s ultimate fate hinges on the positions of president, treasurer and paid secretary being filled before the organisation’s September AGM. “We’ve done all the behind-the-scenes work … now, we basically need to just pull the trigger—but we can’t unless we’ve got new members in place to follow through with it,” Mr Roser said. “If new members don’t step up into executive roles, then the Christmas Party probably won’t go ahead. It can’t continue with the skeleton crew that we have at the moment.” The Burdekin Chamber has long advocated for the region’s business community, facilitating networking opportunities for local operators through regular member meetings, workshops, and its hallmark Christmas Street Party each year. The December event has become a major fixture on the Burdekin community calendar, injecting millions of dollars into local businesses over the past two years while providing families with a free night of family-friendly entertainment. Mr Roser said the potential loss of the event would be felt across the entire community, rather than just among local businesses. “It’s not so much about the businesses,” he said. “It’s about the town losing a free community, family-orientated event that we don’t often have.” Mr Roser confirmed that no substantial interest had been received for any of the vacant roles as of Tuesday, with the organisation unable to continue under its bylaws without the positions being filled. It found itself in a similar spot three years ago, when a lack of interest in the same three executive roles nearly led to its demise. Despite membership almost doubling since, the current executive team still awaits new figures to help carry the torch forward. Mr Roser urges anyone seeking further information on vacant roles to contact either himself on 0408 076 064 or President Seb Aguirre on 0499 197 671. CAPTIONS: 1— Despite membership almost doubling since the organisation’s last scare three years ago, the current executive team still awaits new figures to help carry the torch forward. 2— “It’s not so much about the businesses. It’s about the town losing a free community, family-orientated event that we don’t often have,” said Vice-President Gary Roser. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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When Gracie Hosie stood before government leaders and decision-makers at this year's Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Youth Summit, she wasn't simply delivering a speech. She was sharing the reality of growing up in regional Queensland, where accessing healthcare often means travelling hundreds of kilometres, taking time away from work and school, and carrying financial and emotional burdens that many city families never have to consider. Her speech, Regional Families, Invisible Costs, drew on her family's own experience supporting her younger sister Amelia, who was born prematurely after being diagnosed with human parvovirus at just 25 weeks in the womb. "Hospitals were part of her [Amelia] everyday story, but because we grew up in regional Queensland, hospitals were never just down the road," Ms Hosie told the summit. Ms Hosie recalled how for her family, specialist care often meant travelling from Ayr to Townsville or Brisbane, with appointments becoming part of everyday life, and when Amelia underwent major back reconstruction surgery for severe scoliosis, her family's life revolved around hospital stays, flights, long drives and difficult decisions about who would stay by her side. "Airports became normal, and goodbyes became routine. Recovery did not just happen in the children's hospital down the road; it happened in fragments across distance, across phone calls, across exhaustion,” said Ms Hosie. "It’s the emotional cost of watching your sister in pain and knowing that help is far away. It’s the physical cost of fatigue of parents running on empty of children doing homework in hospital rooms, of bodies sitting in cars for hours because there is no alternative." While Ms Hosie's family carried the weight of these challenges, they knew countless other regional families were navigating the same reality. “My family’s story isn’t unique, and I think that’s exactly why it needed to be told.” According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people living in rural and remote communities experience higher rates of disease, injury and potentially avoidable deaths than those in major cities, while access to specialist healthcare declines significantly with remoteness. The National Rural Health Alliance has also consistently reported rural Australians face higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs while receiving less health funding per capita than metropolitan residents. "We talk about universal healthcare in Australia, but universality should not dissolve at the city limits," Ms Hosie said. "This is not about blaming individual doctors or nurses or healthcare workers, as many are doing extraordinary work in under-resourced settings. This is about structural distribution, funding models and political priority." Since moving from the Burdekin to Brisbane, Ms Hosie has embraced opportunities to amplify her voice, sharing her family's story while advocating for the countless regional families facing similar challenges every day. “If telling our story helps even one decision-maker better understand what regional families go through, then it’s a story worth telling,” she said. Set to begin a Master of International Relations, Ms Hosie has long been passionate about politics and public policy, and she saw the QFCC Youth Summit as an opportunity to introduce herself, share the values that drive her, and begin building connections within the sector she hopes to one day work in. “Being able to speak in that room felt like the beginning of the kind of advocacy I hope to continue throughout my career, [and] most importantly, it was an honour to make sure the Burdekin, and regional Queensland had a voice.” As regional populations continue to grow, Ms Hosie hopes her speech will encourage decision-makers to recognise that healthcare inequality extends far beyond the walls of hospitals, encompassing the everyday barriers regional families face in accessing essential care and support. "Rural families should not have to choose between being together and being able to afford care. They should not have to measure recovery in kilometres travelled, in shifts missed or the quiet toll it takes on everyone in the car,” she said. “I hope we can start looking beyond short-term assistance and towards long-term solutions that improve access to specialist healthcare closer to home, while ensuring support schemes evolve to reflect the true cost of seeking care today. Everyone deserves timely, affordable healthcare, regardless of their postcode.” Since performing her speech, Ms Hosie has been met with a number of other young advocates from across the state who are also passionate about improving healthcare access in regional and remote communities. “We’re all seeing many of the same challenges [and] there’s real strength in knowing this isn’t one person’s story, it’s a statewide issue.” Driven by a passion for creating meaningful change, Ms Hosie has taken the initiative to create further opportunities to advocate for regional healthcare. She has been in contact with Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls, and is preparing to launch a dedicated website and public petition calling for improved healthcare access for regional and remote communities across Australia. “It’s important that this conversation isn’t simply “had” it’s prioritised,” said Ms Hosie. “I don’t want my speech to be the end of the discussion. I want it to be the beginning of sustained advocacy that keeps regional healthcare on the agenda until meaningful change happens.” CAPTION: Gracie Hosie hopes to spark meaningful conversations that lead to lasting improvements in healthcare access for regional and remote Australians. Photo source: LinkedIn Gracie Hosie with Queensland Family and Child Commission CEO and Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford after delivering her speech, Regional Families, Invisible Costs, at this year's QFCC Youth Summit. Photo supplied Gracie Hosie used her platform at the Queensland Family and Child Commission Youth Summit to shine a light on the hidden costs of accessing healthcare in regional Queensland. Photo supplied
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When managed with care and vision, migration does not just grow an economy; it truly enriches our nation. It weaves new threads into our national fabric, bringing fresh ideas, vital skills, and a rich heritage that communities display proudly across regional Queensland. From the Italian and Maltese pioneers whose grit developed the region’s cane farms to the industrious international workers supporting our local agricultural sector, regional Australia understands the immense value of a targeted, functional immigration system. However, a successful immigration program has to be matched to the country's capacity. Under the Albanese Labor Government, this delicate balance has collapsed into absolute chaos. Labor’s migration numbers have been far too high, while their entry standards have been far too low. By allowing a record 1.4 million people into the country since being elected, the government has created a massive shortfall of roughly 400,000 homes, an infrastructure deficit the size of Canberra's entire population. Worse still, by dropping the ball on compliance, Labor has failed to protect our social cohesion. The Coalition is committed to restoring integrity to our borders by enforcing a strict, permanent red light to radicals and ensuring visa overstayers are promptly sent home. Moving forward, compliance with the Australian Values Statement will be a universal visa condition; we will ensure everyone we welcome fully commits to our culture, respects our laws, and integrates into our way of life. This is not a criticism of migrants; it is a rejection of an out-of-control system running blindly ahead of the homes, roads, hospitals, and schools Australia can realistically provide. Every weekend, young Australian couples face the real-life consequences of this policy failure, turning up to rental inspections with dozens of other people while prices skyrocket. The Coalition's Migration and Housing Pledge is a common-sense solution to this crisis. Our guiding principle is straightforward: Australia should only bring in as many people as it can house. For the first time, net overseas migration will be legally tied to the number of new homes completed. If Australia builds the homes, we can welcome the people; if we do not, we cannot keep bringing people in at an unsustainable pace. But ending mass migration is only half the battle; we must also aggressively boost housing supply. The Coalition will tackle the root causes of the supply crisis by establishing a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund to get essential last-mile infrastructure, such as water, sewerage, utilities, and access roads, into the ground. Crucially, 30 per cent of this fund will be locked directly into regional areas, ensuring our local councils can unlock up to 400,000 new homes nationwide without being strangled by bureaucracy. Furthermore, we will make homes cheaper to build by slashing the over-compliance and regulatory wish lists embedded in the National Construction Code. By making costly, radical 2022 energy and accessibility mandates optional, we will hand choice back to the buyer and strip up to $70,000 from the cost of building a new home, unlocking an estimated 120,000 homes over the next decade. We will also ensure taxpayer-funded housing support prioritises Australian citizens and we will maintain the strict ban on temporary residents buying existing dwellings. An immigration system must serve the nation, not strain it. By restoring integrity to our borders and cutting the bureaucratic red tape that halts construction, the Coalition will put a fair go back at the centre of our housing market and ensure that the Australian dream of home ownership is once again a practical reality for local families. Andrew Willcox, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability and Federal Member for Dawson.
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Burdekin police are urging motorists to remain vigilant after responding to five crashes during the final week of school holidays, including a truck rollover and fire near Clare last Wednesday that left the driver seriously injured before he was airlifted to Townsville. The crash marked a confronting day on Burdekin roads, with a second serious collision occurring on the Bruce Highway near Inkerman just hours later. Emergency services first rushed to Old Clare Road at approximately 7:15 am on 8 July, following reports that a fully loaded cane haul-out truck had crashed. Police reports indicate the driver, a 49-year-old male, lost control of the vehicle while travelling north. The truck tipped onto its driver's side and slid for roughly 50 metres before slamming into a concrete support on top of a culvert. A passing motorist attempted to assist the trapped driver before police arrived to find the vehicle had caught fire. Officers used handheld fire extinguishers to suppress the flames until the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) arrived to fully extinguish the blaze. QAS, QFD and QPS crews worked together to stabilise the driver before removing him from the cabin approximately 15 minutes later. The driver was transported to Ayr Hospital in a stable condition with serious leg injuries, before being airlifted to Townsville Hospital shortly after for further treatment. An official update on his current condition has not been released. Old Clare Road was closed for several hours while the Forensic Crash Unit (FCU) and Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S) processed the scene. While finalising the scene at Clare, police were called away to a second high-speed impact on the Bruce Highway near Inkerman. Upon arrival, officers found a white Toyota Corolla with significant front-end damage blocking the northbound lane, alongside a Toyota LandCruiser towing a caravan. According to police, the LandCruiser was travelling north when it slowed down behind a tractor that was travelling in the same direction at approximately 80 km/h. Shortly after, the Corolla crashed into the rear of the caravan. The driver and single occupant of the Corolla was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Ayr Hospital as a precaution. The Corolla sustained severe damage and had to be towed, while the caravan sustained minimal damage and was able to be driven away. The driver and passenger in the LandCruiser were unharmed. Police investigations into the highway crash are ongoing, with initial indications suggesting driver inattention may have been a contributing factor. Following the string of incidents, local police are urging the public to exercise increased caution.
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A new $1.3 million water treatment plant is now fully operational in Clare, replacing the township’s 40-year-old facility and providing increased capacity and reliability for the community’s drinking water supply. The Sunwater facility was officially commissioned on July 10 following the completion of a multi-year upgrade project, replacing the previous plant after it reached the end of its service life. The upgraded facility can treat up to 400 kilolitres of water per day and features improved monitoring systems, allowing Sunwater staff to remotely track operations and identify potential issues before failures occur. Minister for Natural Resources and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the project would help ensure Clare residents continued to have access to a reliable drinking water supply. “Every Queenslander deserves access to a safe and secure drinking water, and the new treatment plant ensures locals will continue to receive high-quality water for their families and businesses,” Mr Last said. “Projects like this strengthen water security and help ensure communities such as Clare have the infrastructure they need to thrive and grow.” The plant treats raw water drawn from the Burdekin River through a multi-stage process incorporating filtration, ultraviolet disinfection and chlorine dosing before distribution to the township. Sunwater Burdekin Whitsunday Operations Manager Aaron Elphinstone said the facility will improve operational efficiency and reliability. “Sunwater partnered with specialised water treatment contractors Protex Water and Jacobs to deliver a modern facility that improves operational efficiency and reliability for our customers,” Mr Elphinstone said. “The plant can be monitored and operated remotely and includes an innovative electro-chlorination system that produces disinfectant on site, removing the need to transport and store bulk chemicals for safer and more productive operations.” Construction was carried out alongside the existing plant while it remained operational, ensuring Clare’s water supply continued uninterrupted throughout the works. The project also provided work opportunities for contractors and suppliers from the Burdekin and Townsville regions, who contributed to civil, electrical, plumbing, concrete and materials supply works. CAPTION: (Left to Right) – Wiliam Weaver – Sunwater General Manager of Operations, Dale and Aaron Elphinstone – Sunwater Operations Manager. Photo supplied.
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A Burdekin Catholic Parish fundraiser has shown community spirit can extend well beyond the walls of the church, with more than 130 people, including many non-churchgoers, gathering in support of a local institution. The bingo night fundraiser at Ayr Parish Hall last Friday raised funds to assist with ongoing maintenance across the parish’s four Burdekin churches, supporting the continuation of the its work in the region. Parish priest Father Manoj described the turnout as an “absolutely stunning” display of community support, with attendees travelling from as far as Townsville to take part in the evening. “There was a lot of fun, plenty of food … and a lovely ambiance in the hall,” he said. The event was organised by a six-person fundraising team comprising Kaylene Rinella, Lisa Sarri, Chrissa Di Bartlo, Mary Pattinson, John Furnell and Robert Tomarchio, with the Country Women’s Association (CWL) assisting with bingo calling duties. Father Manoj said one of the most encouraging aspects of the night was seeing people from across the community support the parish, regardless of their religious affiliation. “It was important to me that even people who are not practicing religion came to support people who are,” Father Manoj said. “People might not [ascribe] to a particular religion, but they can still show the expression of love for the events in the community and support people who are practicing religion. “It was a good sign of people living together in harmony.” The evening featured bingo, a sausage sizzle, licensed bar, tea and coffee, with Father Manoj thanking attendees and those who contributed food and support towards making the fundraiser a success. He said the strong response had encouraged the parish to consider holding similar events more regularly in the future. “We’re looking forward to having this event in the future a little more often,” he said.
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NEW OPERATORS BACK HOME HILL’S MAIN STREET BY JACOB CASHA Continued from cover Home Hill’s foray into a new commercial era has potentially begun on Eighth Avenue, where three ventures have breathed new life into a row of boarded-up storefronts. Newly established businesses Salted Roots, Scrubby’s Teahouse, and Huds Pythons recently opened their doors on Home Hill's main street, renovating and occupying storefronts that had sat vacant for up to 12 years. The trio of openings has provided a welcome burst of activity along the town's main stretch, prompting questions about whether the investment represents a broader shift in confidence for Home Hill’s town centre. Candace Young, owner and operator of Salted Roots, said her and her partner Scott saw Home Hill’s supportive community and favourable lease rates as key drivers in their decision to invest in the town. “Home Hill has sort of been forgotten about when it comes to shops and new things. Everyone goes to Ayr because they know they're going to have that foot traffic pretty much straight away,” she said. “When we opened, people were telling us it’s so good that something’s finally coming to Home Hill and bringing something different—bringing the town to life.” The business officially opened its doors last Saturday, welcoming customers to browse a wide, curated range of homewares, artisan foods and lifestyle goods. Ms Young said local support would be integral to the future of the business. “[The business] is not just mine and my husband’s, it belongs to [the community], because they’re the ones that are supporting us,” she said. Meanwhile, Neil Machin from neighbouring Scrubby’s Teahouse said the roast beef rolls he and partner Patricia Thomas serve have already become a town favourite since opening last weekend. "People are using the word ‘famous' already,” he quipped. Alongside its popular beef rolls, the cafe offers mash potato rolls, bacon and scrambled egg rolls, and coffee, while specialising in tea. Mr Machin called the business “something different” after years of work as a builder. “We were very uncertain at first, but the building industry was in its own turmoil at the time, so it made sense to open when we did,” he said. “We thought the town needed something. A couple people were playing with the idea, but no one was committed, so we thought, ‘let’s have a crack at it.’” A few blocks down from Scrubby’s is Huds Pythons and Food, the brainchild of reptile enthusiast Christopher Hudson. Mostly a “hobby” of Mr Hudson’s, the business opened to the public around four months ago, offering customers a unique range of reptiles, 90 per cent of which were bred by Chris himself. He said the establishment of the three businesses on Eighth Avenue had already prompted an uptick in foot traffic along the strip. “When I was just the only one here, we used to get maybe half a dozen people come through. Now, it’s nothing to get 50 people a day,” Mr Hudson said. “I’ve been getting all the grey nomads coming through, and have even had a bloke through the other day from Denmark, who’s a keeper over there … You get so many people through, and it's just phenomenal.” Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Home Hill local Max Musumeci said the openings were a clear sign of growing business confidence in the area. "Opening a business requires a significant commitment of time, money and effort, so it's not something people generally do with only the short term in mind. While every business journey is different, these openings are certainly an encouraging sign that investors and entrepreneurs believe in the future of our community,” he said. The Deputy Mayor said the latest arrivals marked an encouraging step forward for the community. “I remember when the street was full of thriving businesses, and it was sad to see some shopfronts become vacant over the years,” he said. “To now see new businesses opening and investing in the town is a real sign of improvement and growth. “It creates optimism for the future and reinforces what many of us already know—that Home Hill, and the whole of the Burdekin Shire is a great place to live, work, play, visit and invest.” P3 CAPTION: Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Home Hill local Max Musumeci said the openings were a clear sign of growing business confidence in the area. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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Former Burdekin Youth Mayor Nicole Cervoni has added another accolade to an already fruitful year, being named one of three Trainee of the Year finalists in this year’s Queensland Training Awards. The recognition caps an outstanding 12-month period as a Burdekin Library trainee, during which she became an important part of the team on her way to being named as Burdekin’s Young Citizen of the Year honours in the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Ms Cervoni was heavily involved in several community programs as a trainee, including the popular Digital Mentors initiative and Cricut workshops. As part of her traineeship, she simultaneously studied Certificate III in Business, completing the TAFE course two months ahead of schedule despite also juggling Youth Mayor responsibilities. Her efforts have now earned her a place in the North Queensland Regional Final in Townsville later this month, where she admits any further success would be a bonus for an already “exciting” achievement. “I got the phone call, and I was very excited—but very surprised,” she laughed. “I made it through the interview stage and thought, ‘I’m just happy to be here.’ The other finalists in my category are amazing, and they’ve done so much to deserve it … I’m just really excited to put the Burdekin in that mix as a little girl from Millaroo.” The former Burdekin Catholic High School student joined the Burdekin Library team in 2025, and was the public face of a number of projects from her position at the library issue desk. In early 2025, the State Library of Queensland asked Burdekin Library if they would like to run the Digital Mentors program, being the first library in Queensland to do so. The program paired young volunteers with older residents to help build confidence with everyday technology, from smartphones to online services. Nicole was a major part of the program’s success, coordinating sessions, communicating with participants and troubleshooting problems. Her Cricut courses also became a community hit, teaching participants new skills while facilitating friendships and connection. Ms Cervoni said that while recognition for these efforts was rewarding, the traineeship itself had already proved a dream come true. "I have wanted to work at the Burdekin Library since I was little. I had been going there since I was a baby, doing Baby Rhyme Time and everything, and I just loved it,” Ms Cervoni said. “I was doing work experience at the library before I even got the job, and my mum drove me there every day—an hour drive each way. “I’ve now learned so much as a person through this job, and I’ve got to meet so many people." Born and raised in Millaroo, she said she relished the opportunity to give back to the region that raised her. “I’m so lucky to have grown up in a place that is so supportive, kind, caring, and passionate,” she said. “During that traineeship, I got to give back—give back to those that supported me, that wanted to see me succeed, and those that are always stopping my mum in the street asking, ‘what’s Nicole up to nowadays?’” Ms Cervoni now studies primary education in Townsville, where she balances her studies with work. After graduating, she hopes to progress through the education sector and eventually help shape policy and drive change within education and rural schooling systems. CAPTION: Former Burdekin Youth Mayor Nicole Cervoni has added another accolade to an already fruitful year, being named one of three Trainee of the Year finalists in this year’s Queensland Training Awards. Photo supplied.
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Honeycombes Sales and Service is proud to announce four Ayr-based team members have been named finalists in the 2026 John Deere Technician Awards which recognises excellence in agricultural service and parts technicians throughout Australia and New Zealand. The Honeycombes’ finalists are Adam Patane, Apprentice Service Technician of the Year, Mark Cullen, Service Technician of the Year, and Demi Russell and Bradley Sibson Parts Technician of the Year. The Awards celebrate the talented Service and Parts Technicians who are dedicated to supporting farming communities, keeping the wheels of agriculture turning – farmers, contractors and businesses to be operational when every hour counts. ADAM PATANE Adam Patane, Apprentice Service Technician Regional Finalist, felt a career dedicated to servicing and repairing agricultural machinery was a natural fit for him. Growing up on a third-generation family farm, Adam saw first-hand the impact of machinery downtime on farming operations. Whether helping his father with repairs or spending time tinkering with tractors and equipment, he developed an appreciation for the role skilled technicians play in keeping agriculture moving. Since joining Honeycombes as an Apprentice in 2023, Adam has embraced every opportunity to learn, building his skills across diagnostics, hydraulics and diesel systems, while earning a reputation for his positive attitude and strong work ethic. “For me, it’s not just about fixing machines — it’s about making sure customers feel supported and confident,” Adam said. Customers have praised Adam's attention to detail, commitment to safety and eagerness to learn, describing him as a young technician of the future with impressive technical knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the industry. MARK CULLEN Over the past six years, Mark Cullen, Service Technician Regional Finalist, has become a trusted name among Honeycombes’ customers, known for his technical expertise, reliability and commitment to finding solutions when they're needed most. Whether in the workshop or out in the field, Mark is recognised for his ability to tackle complex issues and help customers get back to work quickly. Customers regularly highlight his willingness to go the extra mile and his determination to see a job through to completion. “I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work and getting them back up and running,” Mark said. It is a passion that began at a young age, helping his father with truck servicing and repairs. What started as curiosity soon became a career built around supporting the people who depend on their machinery every day. “That’s where my interest really started – I liked figuring out why something wasn’t working and getting it back up and running. Over time, that interest has grown into a real passion for agriculture machinery and supporting customers who rely on their equipment to do their job.” DEMI RUSSELL This August marks 13 years with Honeycombes for Parts Technician Regional Finalist, Demi Russell, whose connection to the industry began long before she started her career. Demi credits her mother, who has a career spanning over 35 years in the automotive industry, with introducing her to parts interpreting and teaching her the importance of hard work and customer relationships. “After school, I would often help her, which instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic and building genuine customer relationships,” Demi said. Today, those lessons continue to shape the way she works. Living in Ayr and raising her own family of four with her husband, Demi understands the important role agriculture plays in supporting local livelihoods and regional economies. “I take pride in knowing that what I do helps keep machines in the paddock, supporting local businesses, strengthening the local economy, and contributing to a sustainable future for my family and community,” she said. Known for her reliability, product knowledge and ability to build lasting relationships, Demi has become a trusted advisor for many customers who know they can depend on her to find the right solution when it matters most. BRADLEY SIBSON Bradley Sibson, Parts Technician Regional Finalist, is passionate about helping customers minimise downtime and keep their operations running smoothly. Growing up on a cane and cattle property, Bradley acutely understands the pressure farmers and contractors face when equipment isn't operating as it should. It is this understanding that drives the way he approaches his work each day. “I understand how critical it is to keep machines running… I take pride in being someone customers can rely on,” Bradley said. Customers consistently praise Bradley for his communication, responsiveness and determination to find solutions. Whether sourcing hard-to-find parts or exploring alternative options, he is known for going above and beyond to help Honeycombes customers keep their operations moving. “For me, it is personal – and I want to be that person that makes a difference just as we had people that made a difference for our farm.’ Mark Barrett, Honeycombes CEO said the achievement reflects the high calibre of people within Honeycombes, and the passion they bring everyday to achieve the right result for customers. “Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and reflects the commitment, professionalism, technical capability, and customer focus these team members demonstrate every day,” Mr Barrett said. Honeycombes has a long-standing commitment to developing skilled service technicians and parts professionals through training, mentoring and career development opportunities. By investing in its people, Honeycombes supports regional employment opportunities that strengthen local communities while helping team members build rewarding careers, grow professionally and achieve their career goals. Honeycombes is proud to see its people recognised among the industry's best, earning accolades at regional, national and international levels, and being named among the top technicians and parts professionals across Australia and New Zealand. Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician Awards recognise and celebrate the important role technicians play in supporting Australia's agriculture, construction and forestry industries. This year, 78 nominations were received from across Australia and New Zealand, making selection as a Regional Finalist a significant accomplishment. The 2026 John Deere Technician Awards Gala Ceremony will be held in Brisbane on Thursday, 3 September, where winners will be announced. Honeycombes congratulates Adam, Mark, Demi and Bradley on this outstanding achievement, and thanks them for their passion and commitment to excellence. Honeycombes wishes them every success at the Awards ceremony.
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Local bowlers Lyn Storrie and Kev Collins have been selected to represent Brandon Bowls Club at this year’s North Queensland Champion of Champions in Mackay. Both emerged as contenders after consistently impressing during club championships, with Storrie claiming the A Grade Singles title after defeating Joy Woods in the final last week. The pair will compete against the best of the best across North Queensland, including representatives from Burdekin rivals Home Hill Bowls Club, Ayr Bowling Club, and Giru Bowling Club. Brandon Bowls Club congratulated both Storrie and Collins, who will be hoping to represent the club with aplomb after a history of solid showings at past iterations. CAPTION: Local bowlers Lyn Storrie (left) and Kev Collins (right) have been selected to represent Brandon Bowls Club at this year’s North Queensland Champion of Champions in Mackay. Photo supplied
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Former players, supporters, families and friends are invited to relive one of the Burdekin's greatest rugby league eras, with the Home Hill Devils Rugby League Club celebrating the 40th anniversary of its historic 1986 premiership season. The reunion, to be held across the weekend of 17th to 19th July, will commemorate 40 years since the Home Hill Devils claimed both the A Grade and Under 18 premierships – a milestone that cemented the club's place in Burdekin rugby league history. Although the Home Hill Devils are no longer an active club, organisers say the team's legacy lives on through the many players, families and supporters who later became part of the Burdekin Roosters. The reunion will provide an opportunity for former teammates and supporters to reconnect, share memories and celebrate the friendships and community spirit that defined the club, and organisers are encouraging anyone with a connection to the Devils to attend. The celebrations will kick off on Friday, 17th July, with a meet-and-greet at the Crown Hotel, Home Hill, from 6pm. On Saturday, 18th July, attendees are invited to gather at Bendigo Park, Ayr (Old Rugby Park) from 3pm, where the Burdekin Roosters will take on Centrals in the Under 19s, Reserve Grade and A Grade fixtures. The weekend will then conclude with a farewell breakfast at the Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill, from 9am on Sunday, 19th July. Organisers say they’re looking forward to reconnecting with those who were part of the club's memorable era while honouring the achievements, friendships and community spirit that made the Home Hill Devils such an important part of Burdekin rugby league history. For more information, contact Anne-Maree Dale on 0421 550 457. What: Home Hill Devils Rugby League Club 40 Year Reunion Meet & Greet When: Friday 17th July, 6pm Where: Crown Hotel, Home Hill What: Home Hill Devils Rugby League Club 40 Year Reunion Burdekin Roosters VS Centrals When: Saturday 18th July, 3pm Where: Bendigo Bank Park, Ayr What: Home Hill Devils Rugby League Club 40 Year Reunion Goodbye Breakfast When: Sunday 19th July, 9am Where: Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill CAPTION: The Home Hill Devils Rugby League Club will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its historic 1986 A Grade and Under 18 premiership-winning season. Pictured are Under 11 Premiers 1987. Photo source: Facebook
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Burdekin Roosters’ young talent Chekaharne Taiters continues to build an impressive early rugby league resume, earning representative honours while balancing strong personal and family challenges. Chekaharne’s hard work and dedication have led to some incredible opportunities and milestones. He was selected from more than 400 under-18 players to represent the Queensland Murri Carnival representative squad through the Arthur Beetson Foundation. Following this achievement, he was also selected to play for the Ipswich Jets under-19 Mal Meninga Cup squad. This was a fantastic honour and another important step in his rugby league journey. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, with his mum facing cancer, Chekaharne was unable to follow through with the opportunity. He has just arrived home after proudly representing the Queensland Murri team against the New Zealand Māori on the Sunshine Coast, where Queensland secured a 28–20 victory last Thursday night. These achievements are a testament to Chekaharne’s commitment, talent and determination, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything he has accomplished. We congratulate Chekaharne Taiters on representing his family, community, club and culture with pride. We look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the future. Congratulations, Chekaharne Taiters. Supplied by Brian Carnes CAPTION: Burdekin Roosters’ young talent Chekaharne Taiters continues to build an impressive early rugby league resume. Photo supplied.
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Seniors Not quite a good weekend for the Panthers. They played four games, winning two, drawing one and losing the other. The Premiers and Reserves were away on Sunday to Saints Eagles Souths with the Premiers winning 6-4 and the Reserves losing 1-2. The Division 1 and Division 2 teams were at home to Warriors on Friday night with the Division 1 winning 2-0 and the Division 2 drawing 1-1. This week, there are four teams are in action, all away to Rebels. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams kick off at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves kick off at 7.00 and 5.00. Ladies Day tickets went on sale last Friday and sold out within ours. Didn’t get a ticket? You can still join in on all the fun at International Park on Saturday 22nd August! Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club After a slow start, the Panthers found themselves under immense pressure early on. The opposition struck inside the opening two minutes before doubling their advantage just fourteen minutes later. Things went from bad to worse when a third goal arrived ten minutes before half time, leaving Burdekin with a mountain to climb at 3–0 down. Despite the scoreline, there was genuine belief within the team at the break that the game was far from over. That belief was rewarded almost immediately, with the Panthers pulling one back, through Jay Leckenby just three minutes into the second half. Three minutes later Sean Young made it 3–2, and by the sixty-minute mark the scores were level at 3–3 with a strike from Antione. The momentum had completely shifted, and just five minutes later Burdekin completed an incredible turnaround to lead 4–3 with a second goal from Leckenby. The opposition responded to level the scores at 4–4, but the Panthers refused to be denied. Just sixty seconds later they regained the lead at 5–4 with a goal from Elliott Dal Santo before striking again another minute later, through Matthew Kolb to extend the advantage to 6–4. It was a remarkable display of resilience and belief, with the boys producing an unforgettable second-half comeback to secure a thrilling 6–4 victory. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service This was a tight Affair on bumpy pitch. Both teams had their chances with Saints Eagles Souths taking the lead before half time. The Panthers equalised late in the second half only to concede a goal in the ninetieth minute. Burdekin fought hard but unfortunately the result did not go their way. Some unavailabilities and injuries are taking their toll but hopefully the coming weeks will see the return of some of those players. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Another great result and another three points for the Panthers against Warriors on Friday night! Going into halftime locked at 0-0, the first half had been a tough, back-and-forth contest. The Panthers created a few good chances but unfortunately couldn’t convert them. Burdekin came out firing in the second half, with Jack Gimson breaking the deadlock after getting on the end of a beautifully delivered corner. Sticking to the game plan and remaining composed paid off, as Tarryn Smith then doubled the lead to put the Panthers in a strong position. Right at the end, Brad Wright was shown a red card while on the bench, but this didn’t change the outcome as the Panthers saw the game out professionally. A well-earned 2-0 victory and another important three points. Division 2 – RG Customs The RG Customs Funkies side drew 1-1 with Warriors on Friday night. It was a very important game and result for both teams placed 4th and 5th on the table. Warriors scored early in the sixth minute before the Funkies replied through Alec Contzonis with a great strike in the eighth minute. The remainder of the game was very competitive albeit with neither team able to find a winning goal. Masters The Masters numbers were higher despite the cool conditions and featured a pre-play of the Australia v Egypt World Cup match. The game ended with Egypt winning 12-7 after leading 5-4 at half time. Best players on the night were Jacob Casha and John Federici. The Magic Moments were few and far between! Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick Off. Juniors Junior soccer is taking a well-earned break over the school holidays, with both training and games paused for the next two weeks. We hope all our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and families enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday. Thank you for your continued support throughout the season so far. We look forward to welcoming everyone back after the break, refreshed and ready for an exciting second half of the season. International In the World Cup the Socceroos are on their way home after losing to Egypt on Penaties after extra time. With the score level at 1-1 the match went to penalties and Egypt won 4-2. And Brazil has been knocked out by Norway! Quote the of the Week is from ex Manchester City manager Malcolm Allison “We‘ve found out from this psychiatrist that players who are friends pass to each other more…”
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Eight games, a meeting with a rugby league great and a trip to watch the North Queensland Cowboys in action capped off a memorable weekend for the Burdekin Roosters Under 11s at the Laurie Spina Shield in Townsville. The young Roosters tested themselves against strong opposition across the prestigious junior rugby league carnival, playing eight matches over the weekend while holding their own throughout the competition. Away from the field, the team had the opportunity to meet former North Queensland representative Laurie Spina and learn about the history of the tournament that proudly bears his name. The weekend's highlights continued on Saturday night when the squad travelled to Queensland Country Bank Stadium to watch the Cowboys produce a commanding victory over the Penrith Panthers, giving the players the chance to experience NRL action up close. The Roosters impressed in the annual relay event, finishing fifth out of 80 teams in a strong display of speed and teamwork. The trip provided the young Burdekin players with valuable experience against quality opposition while creating lasting memories both on and off the field, capping off a successful weekend representing the Roosters at one of North Queensland's premier junior rugby league carnivals. CAPTIONS: 1—The young Roosters tested themselves against strong opposition across the prestigious junior rugby league carnival, playing eight matches over the weekend while holding their own throughout the competition. 2—The weekend's highlights continued on Saturday night when the squad travelled to Queensland Country Bank Stadium to watch the Cowboys produce a commanding victory over the Penrith Panthers. Photo source: Facebook/Burdekin Rooster JRL
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Burdekin Roosters A grade half had an outstanding game last Saturday at Bendigo Bank Park as the Roosters put in a strong second-half display to blow Norths away 42–12. The locals were slow to get off the mark in both attack and defence, to be just up 12–10 at the break. With Olsen dictating play from half, the team clicked into gear in the second session to score six tries to one and run away with the game. While the speedy half was dominating in the backs, replacement hooker Nemia Nawave was cutting them up the middle, scoring one try whilst setting up two others. The A grade win capped off a good day for the Roosters as they won both the reserves and under 19s. Coach Steve Lansley said his team produced another impressive performance, defeating Norths 42–12 in a match that was much tougher than the final score suggests. After leading at the break, the Roosters were forced to work hard against a determined Norths outfit in a physically and closely contested half. However, a devastating 15-minute burst immediately after half time proved the difference, with Burdekin crossing for four unanswered tries to blow the game wide open. Half Jye Olsen was unstoppable, finishing with a superb hat-trick after repeatedly finding space behind the ruck and finishing clinically. Hooker Nemia Nawave controlled the contest brilliantly, providing direction with the ball and proving electric in attack, constantly threatening the defensive line with his speed and creativity. The Roosters defence remained resolute throughout, limiting Norths’ opportunities and capitalising on field position. It was a complete team performance that highlighted firepower and the ability to seize momentum when it mattered most. Tries: Jye Olsen 3, Malik Ogameni, Jake O’Brien, Adam Camer, Nemia Nawave, Emilikio Savelio.[Text Wrapping Break]Goals: Jake O’Brien 5 In other A grade matches: Souths 22 Western Lions 20, Charters Towers 22 Brothers 18, Centrals 18 Herbert River 16. A man-of-the-match performance from reserve grade captain Dylan Doak saw his team come back from 14–4 down at half time to defeat Norths in reserve grade 26–20. Doak was outstanding, especially in attack, and his high fly to score his try from a bomb was well worth watching. After a lethargic first half, the boys came home to win the second session by 22–6, showing what they are capable of. Coach Peter Horan said his team showed what they can do and they should have done it more often. Horan said he thought that Lincoln Boccalatte and Bokeem Reid had good games, with Keon Noah outstanding, scoring a good try, and Terry Connors dangerous when fed. Ron Geia was again the best forward on the paddock with help from Harvey Horan and Matty Lee, with Llama Ghee dangerous near the line. Dylan Doak, Terry Connors, Keon Noah, Ron Geia, Llama Ghee tries. Dylan Doak 3 goals. In other reserve grade games: Western Lions beat Souths 24–14, Brothers beat Charters Towers 20–12, and Herbert River beat Centrals 18–10. After a slow start allowing Norths to lead 16–0, the Roosters under 19s fought back to lead 22–16 at the break. After lemons, the boys showed what they are capable of, running in four tries while conceding only one to run out easy victors in the end 46–20. The team went into the game without their Confraternity Schoolboys still in transit from Brisbane, but the other boys adjusted and, when they settled down, played some really good attacking and defensive footy. Five of the eight tries were scored by backs, showing the boys let the ball do the work. Here, K J Zaro, Kirk Viero and Chakayne Taiters were outstanding, with Zaro the best on paddock. In the forwards, Jack Power had a good one, along with Mason Kiehne, Leylan Lampton and Joey Southwell. Tries: Jacob Drain, Chakayne Taiters, Kirk Viero, George Price Dau, K J Zaro, Leylan Lampton, Mason Kiehne, Callan Taiters. Goals: K J Zaro 7 This Saturday the Roosters are at home at Bendigo Bank Park to Western Lions in A and reserve grades, with the reserves at 4.30 and the A grade at 6. Western Lions recently withdrew from under 19s, leaving five teams in the competition: Burdekin, Brothers, Norths, Centrals and Herbert River, with Souths and Charters Towers not fielding. The following week, Saturday July 18, Burdekin meet Centrals in three grades, with Ladies Day being celebrated plus the 1986 Home Hill Devils premiership reunion. Supplied by Brian Carnes CAPTIONS: 1—John Davenport (left) presents the A Grade Player of the Match award to Nemia Navulubalavu (right). 2—Chris Perry (left) presents Dylan Doak’s Reserve Grade Player of the Match award to Aden Lampton (right). 3—Jason Guy (left) presents the U19's Player of the Match award to Mason Kiehne (right). Photos supplied.
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