The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended an educational and enriching LEAP Camp led by Scouts Queensland over the second week of the school holidays. Scouts Queensland organised two camps, one at Bluewater, north of Townsville, and the other south towards Brisbane. The week from 30 June until 6 July, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the LEAP Camp at Bluewater, along with 100 scouts, and 40 leaders originating from places as far as Rockhampton to Cairns. Together, the scouts and leaders e
Read more
It’s all about school spirit at Ayr State High School with each of the athletic and swimming carnivals preceded by a special Spirit Stick event where each House Group vies for the prestigious title. This week the Spirit Stick competition took the theme of a dance-off and students were tasked with creating a performance around ‘Battle of the Decades’ where each House Group was given a specific decade to use as inspiration. Groups of performers were made up of every age-group from Year 7 right t
Read more
The future of farming is steering towards a revolution driven by autonomous machines, poised to transform crop cultivation worldwide. In a recent report titled "Global Agtech in Focus," Rabobank explores the evolving landscape of agricultural technology, emphasising the potential of autonomous machines to enhance productivity, precision, and operational ease. According to Rabobank's analysis, while autonomous machines represent a significant advancement in crop farming, their integration into
Read more
Since 2005, Dave, Alissa, and their dedicated team at Burdekin Motorcycles have been proudly serving the Burdekin community as the local dealer for Yamaha motorcycles, Yamaha golf buggies, Yamaha WaveRunners, Toro, Bushranger, and now Landini tractors. Together, the team offers their customers a diverse range of products to suit every need and passion. Over the past 19 years, Burdekin Motorcycles has garnered multiple awards for both sales and service excellence from Yamaha, underscoring their
Read more
A rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week. “This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is 'in safe hands',” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said. “Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most.” “We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.” Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their live
Read more.JPG)
Since its inception in 1982, Rural Quip has stood as a pillar in the community, renowned for its steadfast commitment to the steel industry. Nestled within the Burdekin, their business stands as a beacon for customers seeking both bulk steel solutions and meticulous 'cut to length' orders, with Robert Oar and his celebrated team catering to diverse project requirements with unparalleled expertise. Rural Quip distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of steel products and services designed
Read more_lowres.jpg)
Unions negotiating a new enterprise agreement with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables are consulting with members on a company suggestion that the parties accept an invitation from the Fair Work Commission for the assistance of a Commissioner in resolving issues remaining in dispute. The invitation for assistance was extended by a Commission Vice President after a hearing of the Full Bench in Sydney earlier this month (5 July). During last week’s talks between the company and union representatives, t
Read more
Ayr State High School’s cultural fire was burning “Loud and Proud” at their annual NAIDOC day held last week on 11 July. Led by Indigenous Captain Seanna Chapman, the event commenced with a traditional Welcome and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Randal Ross. The day also saw Year 7 students engage in cultural games, craft Message Sticks, and immerse themselves in traditional Dreamtime stories with the guidance of Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo. “It was a privilege to have Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah
Read more
Saturday 20 July Zonta Club Burdekin – Birthing Kit Assembly Saturday from 9.30am The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc welcomes your help to assemble 1,000 birthing kits which are distributed to developing countries (i.e. areas in Africa, New Guinea). Each kit has the potential of saving two lives, mother, and her baby. A scrumptious morning tea is provided by Zonta. It is a fun, feel good morning. We look forward to your company and assistance. Samaritan Centre, St Francis School. Wednesday 1
Read more.png)
By August 1933, the Burdekin River had not had a flood since 1927 and the underground water level had diminished somewhat. The Shire Council along with the farmers and townsfolk were getting worried about the water supply. Mr R. E. Shaw, assistant engineer of the Irrigation branch of the government addressed the Council. The Plantation Creek, (a delta mouth of the Burdekin River) was selected to replenish the underground water supply. The Burdekin River water would be diverted through a tunn
Read more
The sky again is overcast; it’s threatening to rain. The farmer gazes at the clouds; He has to burn his cane And “ Will it rain or clear away? What will the weather do?” ‘Tis Sunday afternoon and dull; The farmer’s in a stew. “Perhaps another break I’ll push and burn a little less. Then if I’m caught by lots of rain, there won’t be such a mess!” The time of year that should be wet was very, very dry And harvest time’s supposed to have a cloudless, sunny sky, But round here in the Burdekin, the h
Read more
Kay Duggan is a ‘born and bred’ local in Ayr, and a volunteer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre where she is President and life member of the committee. Having grown up and lived in Ayr for her whole life and attending St Francis Catholic School as a child, Kay knows the Burdekin community especially well. She has been volunteering at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since retiring in 1995 and became president in 2010. Before this, Kay was a minute secretary for the organisation. While
Read more
I was asked for advice on how to move on in mid-life after divorce. A woman in her mid 50s has found herself divorced after 28 years of marriage. Her children are grown, there was no other woman. She simply decided that she was absolutely miserable in her marriage and at the age of 54 took stock of her life. She was at a crossroads, she could carry on with her life, stay unhappy but not have to face the world alone. Or she could leave and start a new life for herself. Obviously, she took the se
Read more
In a world wild with tainted fruit, and fragile footwear, Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s August production of Disenchanted! will have audiences questioning the princesses they know and love. A comical musical, Disenchanted! throws poisoned apples, sparkling tiaras and glass slippers out the window as Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses set the record straight. Unhappy with how they’re portrayed in today’s pop culture, many iconic royal renegades will deliver both the truth
Read more
The Whitsundays will overflow with literature and creativity when the highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival graces the region from 6 to 8 September. The full, star-studded Festival Program features many highly talented and commendable literary professionals including Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, Nick Earls, and Linsday Simpson will be staged over
Read more.jpg)
We are excited to share some important updates about our team. With Sue Perry moving into New Home Sales and Jo Gabiola retiring, we've had the opportunity to promote two of our dedicated staff members to sales agent roles. Amber Hornsby brings five years of industry experience to her new position. Known for her personalized approach and superior local market knowledge, Amber is committed to providing exceptional service to all our clients. Candice Dyball, with three years of industry experience
Read more
On Wednesday July 10, the Ayr Golf Club hosted Burdekin Printers Day 2024. In celebration of the Burdekin Printers’ continued sponsorship and support, Wednesday saw one of the Ayr Golf Club’s largest attendance totals, with 28 ladies on the course. With each competition, the club continues to see the ladies reach new personal bests, with impressive scores shining through. Katrina Hearn was the celebrated Winner of the day, with a “sensational” total of 41 points. The Runner Up was Angie Baxt
Read more
Sunday 14 July saw 20 ladies compete in the annual Northern Insurance Solutions (NIS) Ayr Ladies Closed Championships. The 2024 championships hosted spectacular weather conditions whereby two divisions played a 27-hole stroke event on the gorgeous greens of the Ayr Golf Course, with the club celebrating all those who maintain the grounds. “The ground staff and volunteers are doing a great job – big thanks to all of you,” shared the Ayr Golf Club. Due to the championship having no live scorin
Read more
The Burdekin Football Club has celebrated another successful Junior Carnival following an action-packed Sunday igniting the sporting fields of Beach Road. Sunday 14 July attracted many travelling teams along with the region’s very own local stars. All the young players shone brightly across the fields of International Park, showcasing great sportsmanship and team spirit whilst giving each game their best. Over the past numerous weeks, the Burdekin Football Club’s committee comprising of paren
Read more
Local Last weekend was not a good weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. They had four games, winning one and losing three. On Friday night the Division One Funkies lost 0-2 at home to Estates Blue and on Saturday, the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies were all at home to Brothers. The day started well with the Under 23s winning 2-1 but the ladies lost 0-7 and the Premiers went down 0-1. This week the Panthers have four away games all against Warriors. On Friday night, it is the Division One Funkies
Read more
George Holmkvist has been celebrated for his recent achievements in the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship in Du Quoin, Illinois. George, with the company of his proud parents Dane and Steph Holmkvist, little sister Audrey, and two Grandmothers travelled to America for the championships running from 30 June to 5 July. An annual event, any racer aged between 5 to over 60 years of age can enter in the championship after meeting the strict qualifying requirements. George’s abilit
Read more
The Ayr Bowling Club has been bustling with camaraderie and spirited competition. Tuesday, 9 July, witnessed a vibrant turnout for Ladies Social Bowls, featuring 15 enthusiastic players split into two rinks. Beryl Cornford, Linda Guimelli, Betty Schultz, and Pam Power emerged victorious in an exciting match against Ruth Moore, Karen Page, and Dot Cutting. Meanwhile, Karen Shepherd, Donna Soper, Irene Wilson, and Mary Poli triumphed over Merle Smith, Raylene Hervey, Robyn McAllister, and Sandra
Read more
The Brandon Bowls Club kicked off their action-packed week with Wednesday ladies' bowls, where Kaye Garner, Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Margaret Chapman secured a victory over Lyn Storrie, Colleen Olsen, Helen Collins, and Darelle Pearce. Friday, 12 July, saw Trophy Bowls Night, generously sponsored by Fahey & Walsh, drawing a strong turnout of 64 bowlers despite chilly conditions. Jamie Wood, Ben Mills, Gavin Quinn, and Allyson Williams emerged victorious in the competitive evening. Sunday,
Read more
The Home Hill Bowls Club enjoyed another lively week of bowls with Thursday 11 July seeing winning trio Stephen Doig, Dino Poli, and Mick Olsen showcasing their skills on Rummeny Green Congratulations were due to Lyn Elton for winning the raffle. Gary Nosworthy drew the mystery ball, although unfortunately, the jackpot remains unclaimed with hopes high for next week's draw. Special thanks were expressed to the sponsors, EB HIVES, whose delicious honey is available for $6 a bottle at the Home H
Read more
On Friday 28 June, the Burdekin Netball Association’s 13’s and 14’s teams, with the support of numerous officials and spectators, travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Junior State Age Championships. The team began the jampacked weekend with some close losses on Saturday, however a draw against Palmerston in Game 3 provided the motivation the girls needed to raise their spirits for the days ahead. Sunday hosted tough competitions for day two, and saw the girls celebrate victory, coming out o
Read more