The Lower Burdekin Scout Group recently joined fellow Scouts from Townsville and Charters Towers for an exciting weekend camp at Bluewater. The event brought together approximately 190 Scouts aged 5 to 25 years, along with 30 leaders and 30 adult helpers. The camp's theme, "A Night at the Museum," inspired a variety of themed challenges such as History of Flight, The Art of Archery, The Rise of Civilisation, and The Wonders of Egypt. Activities over the weekend included: - Archery - Fire ligh
Read more
Burdekin Catholic High School Year 10 Student, William Jones had the exciting opportunity to attend a week of work experience with Urbis Brisbane. A multi-disciplinary practice specialising in the areas of planning, design, heritage, policy, valuations, transactions, economics and research, Will travelled to Brisbane to immerse himself in all the company had to offer. Over the course of the week, Will learnt numerous design programs and visited several different sites, including the Queen’s
Read more
The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Inc. celebrated another highly successful National Tree Day and National Schools Tree Day for 2024 last weekend. National Tree Day was established in 1996 and has since grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, bringing locals together to get their hands dirty and give back to the community. Inviting the younger members of the community to turn their thumbs green, the last Friday of July each year is dedicated to School
Read more
The Handicap Pennant competition in North Queensland was a showcase of skill and sportsmanship, with golfers from across the region coming together to compete over the last weekend of July. The women's events were particularly thrilling, with Mackay #1 clinching the Division 1 title after a tense countback from Proserpine #1, while Sarina dominated in Division 2. The Ayr #1 team's narrow victory in their match was a testament to the close competition, and the excitement was palpable as Mackay
Read more
On Saturday 10 August, the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads will host their eagerly awaited annual Old Boys Day at Casalegno Fields. This event, a cornerstone of the club's calendar, brings together former players, coaches, and volunteers who eagerly anticipate the opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the camaraderie of the past. Old Boys Day is a time for celebrating anniversaries of past premiership wins, with many former members traveling from across the country to return to the
Read more
The Burdekin Roosters A Grade team showcased their true potential with a commanding 62-22 win over Centrals at the Sports Reserve in Townsville on the afternoon of Saturday 3 August. The Roosters surged ahead early, leading 16-0 before the Tigers clawed back to make it 26-12 at halftime. In the second half, Burdekin dominated, scoring 36 points to 10, with six of the Tigers' points coming in the final minute. The Roosters exhibited excellent speed and support play, with multiple tries scored t
Read more.jpg)
The Home Hill Golf Club’s Ladies’ Sip ‘n Putt sessions were the brainchild of Club Secretary Megan Barbagallo. After securing funding from the Queensland Government’s “Active Women and Girls Program,” the club aimed to increase female participation in golf, and developed a ladies’ only series of events which began on Saturday 20 July. The Sip ‘n Putt concept encourages women to try the sport for the first time by highlighting the fun, social, and exercise aspects, plus the bonus of a free bevera
Read more
On Sunday 28 July, numerous teams of talented, young Burdekin Football Club athletes traveled to Townsville to put it on the field at the Wulguru Carnival yielding fantastic results across the highly enjoyable day! The results are as follows: JDS Under 8 Finished 3rd Pool games - two wins, one loss Won 3rd v 4th playoff 8-0 defeating Wulguru JDS Under 9 Finished 5th Pool games - two wins, one draw, one loss Won 5th v 6th playoff JDS Crusaders Under 10 Finished 3rd Pool games - three wins, on
Read more
Local Last weekend was a much better weekend for the Burdekin Panthers as they won three and drew one out of the four games played. The Division One Funkies drew 3-3 away to Estates Navy on Friday night in Townsville. The other three teams were all at home to Saints Eagles Souths on Saturday. The Premiers won 4-0, the Under 23s won 1-0 and the Ladies won 2-1. This week the Panthers have five games with the Division 1 Funkies playing twice. On Tuesday night they are at home to Brothers and the
Read more
The highly anticipated Delta Cleaners Night Soccer is set to kick off on Tuesday, 3 September, at International Park. This Six-a-Side competition is open to both Men's and Women's teams, with all players required to be over the age of fifteen. Nomination forms are available at Delta Cleaners, InterSport, and Sportfirst, and must be returned by Friday, 23 August. Celebrating its 46th season, Night Soccer began in Home Hill in 1979 with the goal of helping the Burdekin Football Club, then known a
Read more
The Burdekin Roosters' A grade and ladies’ teams are on a bye this week, but the Reserve team is gearing up for an important match in Bowen on Friday night. The Reserve grade competition is heating up, with Souths clinching the minor premiership. The race for second, third, and fourth place is wide open. Currently, Souths lead with 28 points, followed by Bowen and Centrals with 22 points each, and Burdekin close behind with 21 points. This Friday night's clash between Bowen and Burdekin is piv
Read more
The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club proudly acknowledged the outstanding performance of its 10 members who competed at the Secondary School Surf League in Townsville. These young athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, showcasing the club's dedication to excellence. Special congratulations go to Milla and Parker, who were named age champions for the day. The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club looks forward to more such accomplishments in the future and continues t
Read more
The Ayr Bowling Club extends a huge congratulations to the Ladies’ Premier Cup Team - Beryl Cornford, Heather Jorgenson, Desley Olsen, Irene Willson, and Pam Power. The team performed sensationally, securing fourth place in a field of 12 teams from around the district, with Ayr achieving 7 wins, +23, and 116 ends! In social bowls on Wednesday 31 July, three games of triples and one game of pairs were played, with J. Papale and B. Shepherd celebrated as the victorious winners. Another highlight
Read more
Sunday afternoon at the Brandon Bowls Club saw players battling challenging wind conditions. Despite the difficulties, Norm Storrie, Geoff Taylor, and Peter Henderson triumphed, defeating Henry Hazel, Gary Nosworthy, and Ray Panacassio! In second place, Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne, and Doug Robins outplayed Jim Murray, Vince Beitia, and Alan Garioch. Ken Ferguson, Helen Collins, and Kevin Collins secured third place by overcoming Mick McClosky, Hugh Montgomery, and Leo Kenny. Friday night's celebra
Read more
32 players participated on another perfect winter afternoon. Thursday's winners were Steve (Giru), Sandra, and Mick McClosky. The day was sponsored by Oar and Horan. Rink Results: • Rink 2: Judy & Gordon narrowly defeated Ron and Henry 20-18. • Rink 3: Kim, Tony & John, in another close game, won over Mick, Terry, and Trevor 20-19. • Rink 4: Ron, Bruce, and Gary accounted for Des, Bob, and Joe 19-10. • Rink 5: Steve, Sandra, and Mick McClosky won another close game over Tony C, J
Read moreCrushers v Bombers at the Queens 7-3 Cougars v Nat I at the Ayr 10-0 Nat II v Falcons at the National 6-4 Ants had the bye 10 points Points: Nat II - 155, Crushers – 143, Falcons - 131, Nat I -118, Cougars - 104, Ants - 101, and Bombers 48 Games for Thursday 08/08/24: Nat I v Ants at National, Falcons v Bombers at Anzac, Crushers v Nat II at Ayr and Cougars have the bye This week is our last games before the final rounds begin, good luck. Contributed with thanks to Kerry Davison.
Read more.jpg)
On Wednesday, 17 July, the Ayr Golf Club celebrated Queensland Country Bank Day, coinciding with the State of Origin Game 3. While the Maroons couldn't clinch the victory, the day was still a success, with the ladies donning their maroon gear and enjoying a fantastic day on the course. Debbie Szendrey from Queensland Country Bank joined in the festivities and enjoyed the beautiful weather, with her sister, Janet Trezise, stepping in to present the awards. Congratulations to the top performers:
Read more
On Wednesday, 31 July, the Ayr Golf Club hosted the annual Jan Pilcher Day, attracting a strong field of 23 ladies despite some having played four solid days of golf prior at the outstanding 2024 Handicap Pennant competition. The weather was pleasant with a bit of wind, but it didn't deter the golfers from achieving impressive scores. This year, Jan Pilcher's daughter, Celeste, along with her children Radley and Jazlyn, travelled from Townsville to present the winners. Celeste reminisced about
Read more
The Ayr Golf Club hosted their July monthly medal competition on the morning of Saturday 3 August, with 13 juniors participating in either a 3, 6, or 9 holes competition. The Nett winner of each competition was celebrated and awarded the July Monthly Medal. River Vass emerged as the 3-hole monthly medal winner with an impressive Nett score of 4, indicating a move up to six holes is imminent. Logan McKeough secured the 6-hole medal with a Nett score of 23. Lyla Land, in her first 9-hole competit
Read more
The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads had a fantastic weekend, securing victories across first, second, and third grades. The excitement was palpable as the teams clinched their wins in some nail-biting matches. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performance! Scores: First Grade: 38 - 31 against North Ward Second Grade: 28 - 7 against North Ward Third Grade: 27 - 7 against Brothers Unfortunately, the Pink Toads had to forfeit due to injuries and illnesses, however, they are
Read more.jpg)
Lorenza Onella Registered Nurse Registered nurse Lorenza Onella has been a committed presence in Home Hill since 2020, with plans to stay until retirement. Her nursing journey was driven by a natural curiosity and comfort around medical professionals from a young age. “I wasn’t scared of any doctors or dentists. I was curious who they are,” she recalls. Originally from the Philippines, Lorenza holds a Bachelor of Commercial Science. Inspired by her sister, who has lived in Australia since t
Read more.jpg)
Home Hill Surgery is dedicated to reinvigorating regional health care by both broadening the services offered at the clinic and also bringing new highly skilled doctors to the Burdekin. The latest recruit is Dr Mounika Cherabudla who joined the practice last month and brings with her a range of specialties including women’s health and chronic diseases. “I am very blessed to be part of the Burdekin community,” said Dr Cherabudla. “Prevention is better than cure and that’s the beauty of a GP Pr
Read more.JPG)
Hello! My name is Miah, and I am your new on-the-ground journalist living and working right here in the Burdekin! I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey in the world of journalism. My passion for storytelling has been a driving force in my life for as long as I can remember. My love for journalism began at a young age, with my first article being published in the Cairns Post when I was just 12 years old. That experience ignited a spark in me and solidified my desire to pursue a ca
Read more
Senior Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador for Campbell’s Jewellery, Demi O’Shea, will host a decadent Cake Stall on Saturday 10 August from 9am. A nostalgic and classic fundraising activity, the Cake Stall will be run outside Campbell’s Jewellery selling a variety of homemade treats along with raffle tickets for the Burdekin Water Festival’s Diamond Ring Raffle valued at $5000 as donated by Campbell’s Jewellery. With the celebrated theme of the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival being “Bring it Ba
Read more
Opinion Piece Ayr firefighters will be left to put up with a substandard fire station at the epicentre of a town’s toxic chemical contamination under Labor, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has revealed this week. Mr Last said the commissioner’s response to questions during Estimates proceedings around replacing the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station was a slap in the face to firefighters who have been left exposed to carcinogenic compounds and unable to undertake essential training for years. “The PF
Read more