For more than 20 years Elvie Dickinson has been Treasurer of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre. As treasurer Elvie looks after the money of the neighbourhood centre, puts together the budget and oversees that everything is done correctly. Elvie does more than volunteer her time at the Neighbourhood Centre, she is also the coordinator of a support group for people with Parkinson’s disease in the Burdekin. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease herself in 2011, she noticed there w
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How is the cost-of-living crisis affecting you? Where is it hitting you? And What would you like the government to do to help? Doreen Man “It doesn’t affect me because I live by myself and have two pensions. I'd hate to have a family I don’t know how I’d do otherwise, I’ve got a gold card, and free health and medical stuff. For those struggling minimum wage could be raised without having to tax more people and if they could keep some control over the supermarkets and the pricing of goods
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The exceptional talents of the young Zaza Road Quartet will ignite the Burdekin Theatre this July as part of the 2024 Outreach Tour. Violinist Keven Hsu, cellist Mya Whatson, clarinettist Nathanael Duffy, and pianist Mai-Lien Olsson attended the Australian Festival of Chamber Music’s (AFCM) International Masterclass Program as students, and now will lead the Outreach Tour to Charters Towers, Ingham, Ayr and Townsville. “They are the perfect example of what we aim to do in both programs – to
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On Saturday 22 June, fifteen debutantes made their official debut at the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s 2024 Debutante Ball. The theme of the evening was “A Night Under the Stars” with gorgeous decorations, dresses and suits igniting the Burdekin Memorial Hall in Home Hill. Each debutante and partner shone bright for what was an amazing evening filled with both dancing choreographed by the talented duo, Eliza Worlein and Rory Jorgensen, and traditional dances debutante balls are known f
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The Home Hill Harvest Festival has begun gearing up for what will be an amazing Parade and Street Party for the annually anticipated event. The festival celebrates the rich agricultural industry within the Burdekin community and encompasses a range of events spread throughout the back end of the year from late September to early November. The Grand Parade, accompanied by a fantastic Street Party concludes the celebrations, and will run from 5pm at Eighth Avenue in Home Hill on Saturday 9 Novem
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The Burdekin Potters have been busily creating beautiful pieces as part of an Underglaze Decorating Workshop under the experienced guidance of the talented duo, Maleny Potter, and Judy Gardiner. The treat of a workshop had members expanding their pottery skillsets to colourful new heights. Each member was taught the technique of applying a gorgeous design to a raw, dry clay plate, and then adding vibrant colours and depth through the medium of ceramic paints or underglazes. After decorating th
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On Wednesday 12 June, the Home Hill branch of the Burdekin Library hosted a fantastic showcase of the literary talents of Burdekin Creative Writers, and Burdekin Night Writers. The talented writers presented poems, and stories focusing both on the past, and looking towards the future along with stories filled with love, paired with stories sharing the tales of familial chaos. Burdekin Creative Writers, and Burdekin Night Writers were joined by an audience of locals, and relatives, and onc
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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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Nestled where the lush rainforest kisses the coastline, Mackay emerges as a tropical haven teeming with natural wonders and vibrant culture. Imagine wallabies frolicking on the beach at dawn, the sun rising over one of Queensland's two stunning bluewater rivers, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. This sweet city, surrounded by picturesque fields of sugar cane, beckons travellers with its unique blend of adventure, serenity, and rich heritage. Mackay's landscape is a living tapestry of
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On Wednesday 26 June, the Burdekin Show ignited the region for another year, with star-studded entertainment, classic show rides, and a joyous atmosphere. Approximately 4,000 people flooded through the Ayr Showgrounds gates ready to enjoy one of the most anticipated events on the region’s calendar. The weather was not overly favourable, with a spot of rain here and there, however the show festivities shone through, with the show committee more than impressed with the overall attendance. “It w
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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group dedicated their time at the 2024 Ayr Show on Wednesday 26 June for another year, ensuring areas including parking ran smoothly. The group managed the carpark from 8am to 8pm, along with one of the entry admission points to fundraise for their organisation, with some scouts providing families with information on the club and what Scouting entails. The wet weather could not dampen the spirits of the scouts, with both youth and experienced members of the club fulfi
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On 16 April 1958, a group of representatives from numerous local organisations gathered to create a committee to organise the first-ever Water Festival. The first official Water Festival Committee members, known as Office Bearers, were Chairman Cr E. W. Ford, Secretary Mr R. L. Weatherstone, Assistant Secretary Miss J. M. Kruckow, and joining them were committee members, R. Rossiter, M. Towers, C. Richards, H. Wade, W. Saxby, L. M. Stockham, and S. M. Green. The committee developed vario
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The time has come to nominate both Junior and Senior Ambassadors for the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival! With the theme announced, and preparations well underway, the committee is calling for ambassadors to join the 2024 Bring it Back event, and many locals have begun reminiscing on their time spent as a Water Festival Ambassador in previous years since the announcement. Clubs, schools, sporting groups, and organisations are invited to nominate their Junior Ambassador who is 11 – 12 years of age
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Caitlin Kross has been celebrated for her refereeing excellence after returning from Basketball Queensland’s State Referee Program’s (SRP) Camp on Monday 17 June. Caitlin was prestigiously selected for the six-week program after refereeing at the U16 States Competition in April and has since been selected as 1 of 4 referees to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Nationals in July later this year. Caitlin made the decision to progress into the referring sphere four years ago foll
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Saturday 13 July The Sunshine Club Saturday from 7.30pm It tells the story of Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman who has come home from World War II to find that although the wider world may have changed, attitudes back home in Brisbane are just the same. Filled with a defiant energy and ambition for a better life, Frank starts The Sunshine Club, a place where black and white can meet and, most importantly, dance. Here he dreams of a future where he can dance in step with Rose, the girl nex
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On Thursday the 20th of June, four students from the Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work Program celebrated their official graduation. The Get Set for work program is a skilling Queenslanders for Work program funded by the Queensland Government designed for those 15 - 19 years no longer attending school. Reece Piva, Kyle Gudge-Bollman, Jhay Leamon, and Jak Hervey completed a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways over the duration of 10 weeks, engaging with and participating
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Finding your dream home can be an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and challenges. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, here are essential tips to help you navigate the process and land the perfect home:
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The Burdekin’s own Adam Walton made his Wimbledon debut in London one to remember, marking several impressive milestones. Making his Wimbledon debut in the top 100 paired with a maiden ATP main-draw win, as well as earning direct acceptance into a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, has earned Walton waves of celebrations across the Burdekin region and beyond. “We are extremely elated for Adam and his family on this monumental first round win at Wimbledon,” expressed the Home Hill Tenni
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The Ayr Bowling Club has been a hub of activity over the past few weeks, and warmly thanks their dedicated weekly working bee team for buzzing around the club each Tuesday. The team arrives to the club early to ensure the grounds and greenkeeping are up to standard and paired with the hard work of the roster goers, the green is ready for players to give it their best during the crushing season. On Wednesday 26 June, the spirit of friendship filled the afternoon’s competition, despite the sligh
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Directed by the talented Wesley Enoch, Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will grace the stage of the Burdekin Theatre on 7 September. Audiences will be transported back in time, to witness the historical happenings of January 1788 unfold right before their eyes… On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. But beyond t
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The Whitsundays Writers Festival is thrilled to announce the featured local authors of this year’s pen-dropping event which is happening this September. Festival President, Karen Jacobsen says “We are excited to be showcasing the creative talent and diversity of the region’s writers and there are many ways local authors can get involved.” Featuring among the esteemed line up of local authors is Rachel Armstrong, North Queensland award winning contemporary romantic fiction author, who loves wr
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On the last weekend of June, four Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads players put it on the field for the Queensland Country Championships in Rockhampton. Andy Smyth, Caitlin Holmes, Kelsey Hesp and Nathan Steel brought their all for a jampacked weekend from 28 June to 30 June. “The Country Championships are a celebration of the talents, passion, and dedication of the Queensland Country Rugby community,” said Queensland Country Rugby Union President Mr. Rod Hohn. The event was one of the biggest i
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The Ayr Golf Club made a splash at the Drummond Golf 4BBB Day last weekend, producing outstanding results across the board. Prizes were donated with thanks to Kev from Drummond Townsville, and both men and women participated in the event, with fantastic numbers in attendance for a shotgun start to what was a beautiful day on the course. The slight tilt in weather conditions did not dampen the players spirit or the course, with everyone eying off incredible scores to bag some of the amazing pr
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Local The Burdekin Panthers had no matches last week. This week they have four games, and the Women Premiers are in action twice. On Friday the Austral Masonry Funkies are at home to Riverway JCU and on Saturday the ANZ Anzac Club Premiers, the Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s and the Ayr Anzac Club Women Premiers are all away to Olympic. Then on the following Wednesday the Ladies are away, in Townsville again, to Saints Eagles Souths. Masters A better turn out on Monday night with some new
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On Thursday 27 June, Richard and Jeff were victorious at the Home Hill Bowls Club, with Jimmy Murray luckily walking away with a raffle win, and Keith, visiting from Jervis Bay crowned the lucky ball winner. The club celebrated their new sponsor, Oar and Horan, with 21 players turning up for a roll on a cool damp winters afternoon on the weekend. Rink 3: Helena and Joe outlasted Margaret C. and Gary 20 to 16. Rink 4: Richard and Jeff were too strong for Yogi and Henry defeating them 18 to 8
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