The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is actively recruiting part-time auxiliary firefighters to join their dedicated team in the Burdekin Local Government Area, including stations in Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to contribute to their local community whilst balancing other commitments. QFES is an all-inclusive emergency service agency devoted to ensuring the safety of all individuals and property across Queensland. It comprises of the Fi
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By Miah Lampard The Vernon’s have a deep history with the Townsville to Magnetic Island Swim, with three generations of competitors within their family. The Vernon family legacy begins with Hockey Vernon in the early 1960’s, his son then competed in 2011, and, most recently his grandson in July this year. Hockey Vernon, at just 18 years of age, became the youngest competitor to attempt the swim in 1964 since the race’s commencement in 1954. He trained at the Ayr swimming pool under the guida
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Burdekin Shire Council is proud to announce the launch of its new cemetery management program OpusXenta in an innovative step towards evolving community access and operational proficiency. The leading-edge program promises to transform how cemetery records are managed and services are provided in the community. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort outlined the numerous benefits that OpusXenta will bring to both council staff and local residents. “This upgrade facilitates long-term planning and extends t
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As Home Hill prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Anglican church, it’s a moment to reflect on a century of faith, community, and resilience. Founded in the early 1910s, Home Hill initially faced water scarcity, unlike its neighbouring Ayr. This challenge led to the formation of an irrigation board and the establishment of a powerhouse near the post office, laying the foundation for irrigation and agricultural prosperity. Farms were allocated through ballots, and wells were ins
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Pack your bags, and prepare for take-off because from Sunday 1 September, the Whitsunday Coast Airport will offer a selection of brand-new Jetstar flights directly to Adelaide. Confirmed earlier this year, the flights will take off on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday each week, with the introduction set to significantly boost local tourism in both the Whitsundays and Adelaide. In celebration of the February announcement, a one-way sale saw fares available from $99 earlier this year, and Jetstar’
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BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of: • Food parcels • Toiletries • Vouchers (food, clothes, chemist, transport) • prepaid cards • payment of third-party accounts Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family vio
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I would like to talk about one of the Burdekin’s local not for profit organisations, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, that is actively working on a number of local community projects. In the coming months, Zonta, in partnership with the Red Rose Foundation, Burdekin Shire Council and the Men’s Shed, will place a number of Red Benches in prominent locations in Ayr and Home Hill. Keep an eye out for them - you won’t miss them!! The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise awareness
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Did you know that tenders are now open for an exciting opportunity to secure prime industrial land? Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Estate Expansion features 19 lots available for tender, offering a fantastic chance for businesses and investors to secure valuable industrial land. Most of these lots are generously sized around 2000m², offering plenty of space to build your dream industrial property or expand your business. The flexible configurations mean that buyers have the option to tender for m
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This year marks a momentous occasion for Burdekin Catholic High School as it proudly commemorates its 50th anniversary - a testament to half a century of nurturing young minds, fostering community spirit, and upholding a tradition of academic excellence in the Burdekin region. Built on the shoulders of Edmund Campion College (Marist Brothers) BCHS celebrates the vision that became reality in 1974 when it first opened its doors as a co-educational high school, officially named Burdekin Catholic
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The Burdekin Shire Council is thrilled to announce that tenders are now open for the newly expanded Ayr Industrial Estate. This expansion offers additional industrial land and infrastructure, aimed at boosting the growth and diversification of our local economy. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed the Council's enthusiasm about this major development, with Stage 1 offering 19 lots. "The launch of tenders for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is an exciting step forward," Cr Dalle Cort stated
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DOB: 01/04/2023 Sex: Male Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 5ft Spud is a lovable Jack Russell terrier with a heart of gold! He is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for a game. He has adorable ears and wags his tail none stop, he is sure to bring a smile to your face every day. Despite his small size, Spud has a big personality. He is incredibly loyal and affectionate, always eager to cuddle up on the couch or snuggle in
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CANEGROWERS has welcomed news that Wilmar and unions representing workers at the company's nine Queensland sugar mills have accepted a mediation offer from the Fair Work Commission. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said he hoped the move signalled the beginning of the end for the long-running pay dispute that is affecting half of the industry and threatens to completely derail the season. “Sugarcane farming families have been losing $4 million a day due to strike action at Wilmar mills, and
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 145,341 656,301 Pioneer 59,009 285,825 Kalamia 74,018 395,124 Inkerman 86,629 469,835 Burdekin 364,997 1,807,084 CCS Invicta 14.33 13.86 Pioneer 14.35 13.87 Kalamia 14.12 13.64 Inkerman 14.07 13.58 Burdekin 14.23 13.74 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 52% 14.35 Q208 5% 13.44 KQ228 26% 14.37 WSRA17 5% 13.43 Q183 6% 13.74 SRA23 4% 14.70 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just under 365,000 tonnes of cane for th
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Enterprise bargaining discussions between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions in Townsville earlier this week on Tuesday have been described as constructive by a Wilmar company spokesman. A Fair Work Commissioner assisted in the discussions and the Wilmar spokesman said that in the course of the day the parties had succeeded in narrowing the gap further between unions’ claims and company offers. The Commissioner, Bernie Riordan, has offered to provide further input
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing We recently completed a roadshow through Wilmar’s four milling regions with senior sugar traders, Peter Bingham and Neil Foo. Peter and Neil work with Wilmar International and travel to Queensland once a year to meet with growers who choose Wilmar to market their GEI sugar. Peter is based in London while Neil is based in Singapore. Their overarching message was for growers to be conscious that we may not see the elevated prices we witnessed in the la
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The value of Queensland’s agricultural sector is projected to boom to a second-highest-ever valuation of $23.56 billion in 2024-25. New AgTrends figures released last month show a promising year ahead, despite challenges such as declining cattle prices, drier conditions and major natural disasters in 2023-24 leading to a valuation of $22.1 billion for the year. The valuation remains higher than the five-year average and showcases the resilience of Queensland agriculture, with a corresponding sup
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Burdekin Christian College student, Sioli ‘Joe’ Mau, has travelled to Sydney to take part in a song writing workshop following winning the North Queensland Fast Track to Fame Prize in 2023. Joe was the celebrated winner of the 2023 Fast Track Talent Showcase hosted by the Burdekin Shire Youth Council at the Burdekin Theatre, and as part of his prize, was able to attend a song writing workshop with 2020 Voice winner, Chris Sebastian. “Working with Chris Sebastian was an extraordinary experien
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Welcome to the Burdekin, a vibrant region where the charm of small-town Australia meets the boundless beauty of nature. Nestled south of Townsville, the Burdekin boasts picturesque landscapes, from the lush green fields of sugar cane to the pristine wetlands teeming with wildlife. This area is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, dynamic history, and unique natural attractions, offering visitors an array of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re diving into the depths of the ocean to
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The Queensland Country Bank Burdekin Water Festival will make its celebrated Queen Street return with an impressive group of both junior and senior ambassadors. With the September Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on the horizon, each ambassador will make their anticipated debut on Friday 2 August at the Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch and Festival Fashion Parade. The 2024 event will see 7 Junior Ambassadors and 7 Senior Ambassadors representing numerous businesses and organis
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Living in a world where we must increasingly become aware of our collective environmental impact, adopting sustainable living practices is paramount in ensuring a healthier planet. Small changes in our daily routines can make a big impact on our carbon footprint and resources. One effective way to begin a greener approach to life is through energy consumption reduction. Making the switch to energy-efficient appliances, such as LED bulbs and unplugging devices when they are not in use can not on
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The Ayr Bowling Club was filled with exciting games and great company for another week, with many locals and travellers giving it their all on the green. On Wednesday, 24 July, social bowls featured three games of triples and one game of pairs, with J. Pirrone, G. Nixon, and W. Coonan the celebrated winners. On Saturday 27 July, the social bowls winners were Jimmy, Chris, Happy, and Blake, and the day saw the club welcome visiting players to the green who shared their travel stories and enjoyed
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Brandon Bowls Club’s 2024 Premier Cup team consisted of five exceptional and celebrated players: Helen Collins, Colleen Olsen, Lyn Storrie, Darrell Pearce, and Joy Woods. The event, hosted by the Suburban Bowls Club in Townsville, spans over four challenging days, with 11 other teams competing for the prestigious title and the opportunity to host the event in 2025. After three days of intense competition, the Brandon ladies faced tough opposition, securing 4 wins and 5 losses. In conclusion of
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The Roosters A grade team faced a tough battle last Sunday 28 July at Bushland Beach, narrowly losing to the Norths Devils with a score of 32–28. Coach Steve Lansley noted the team's struggle to capitalise on promising opportunities, often rushing to score rather than building up plays. “Once again we failed to finish off promising moves by being too anxious to score - we are trying to score with every attacking move instead of building up,” said Lansley. The Norths Devils started strong, qui
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Round 3 week 4 – 18/07 Nat I v Bombers at the Queens 8-2 Cougars v Ants at the Anzac 6-4 Crushers v Falcons at the Ayr 8-2 Nat II had the bye 10 points Round 3 week 5 – 25/07 Crushers v Nat I at the National 6-4 Nat II v Ants at the Anzac 9-1 Cougars v Bombers at the Ayr 8-2 Falcons had the bye 10 points Points: Nat II - 149, Crushers - 136, Falcons - 127, Nat I -118, Cougars - 94, Ants - 91, and Bombers 45 Games for Thursday 01/08/24: Nat II v Falcons at National, Bombers v Crushers at Quee
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The Burdekin Panthers experienced a weekend of intense football action. Initially scheduled for four games, the Panthers saw the Division One Funkies secure a straightforward win by forfeit against Olympic, while the other three teams faced Estates in away games. They emerged victorious in two matches and narrowly lost one. On Sunday, the Premiers dominated with a 4-0 victory, the Under 23s clinched a 4-3 win, and the Ladies lost 2-3. Looking ahead, the Panthers have four more games this week.
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