The Burdekin Roosters are down to face Western Lions for the second time in three weeks with all the players gearing up for what will be an intense weekend with the Roosters still reflecting on their 26 nil defeat held three weeks ago at Rugby Park against Western Lions. The Roosters were contending with a heavy penalty count against them, and had two players receive suspensions, Kali Nauque, and Epi Kikau. Since defeating the Roosters, the Western Lions have remined on top, going on to beat Ce
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Brandon Bowls Club was represented by skip Gary Pearce, Chris Pearce, Doug Robins and Lloyd Shepherd at the Dunn Cup at Jubilee Bowls Club Townsville where the players went up against the best bowlers in the district. 17 teams from the district congregated at Jubilee to fight for bragging rights for 2024 playing 7 rounds of rinks / 4s bowls over 4 days. The team played against South Townsville, Bowen, Wangaratta, Giru, Alligator Creek, Magnetic Island and Ingham, and after 4 gruelling days B
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On Wednesday 26 June, the Burdekin Shire Council announced allocations as part of its 2024/25 Budget. Here is an outline of what you’ll find in the budget. $16.4 Million for Road Reconstructions and Upgrades An investment dedicated to both rural and urban projects, $16.4 million will be invested into initiatives in the areas of reconstruction, floodway, drainage and culvert upgrades, and footpath replacements. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said this investment is dedicated to a range of initiatives
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Hi everyone! Thank you for all the messages of support I’ve received over the past week! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you all here and there, and love continuing to share your stories. This week, my social calendar has been booked and busy, farewelling many of my friends heading off for Euro-Summers, Contiki’s and ski trips. We’ve had a few see you soon evenings and have even started warming up with a new firepit on our back patio. We also headed out to a music concert the other night to watch Th
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In a world where tech is responsible for all aspects of our lives, it’s worth keeping in mind how this affects our seniors. So much of our digital world keeps on changing, it becomes more difficult for many of our seniors to learn how to use new technology on their own. Many require help in learning how to use their smart phone, smart TV, or computer etc. One Ayr resident was having difficulties with his new devices until Mark Viero volunteer at the Burdekin Community Association helped him
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Around 7:30pm on Saturday 22 June, Kylie Rice was driving home from work when a rock was hurled from the side of the Bruce Highway, penetrating through her front passenger window. A terrifying ordeal, Kylie was fortunately not physically injured by the dangerous act, however, was extremely shaken by the experience, and hasn’t driven her vehicle since. “I heard a thump and a shattering sound, and I rang my husband, and said, ‘My window has just smashed’, and he was like, ‘What do you mean your
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The state government has been accused of putting the cart before the horse when it comes to addressing the contamination of Ayr’s water supply. After it was revealed historic use of firefighting foam at the Ayr fire station had caused carcinogenic compounds to leach into the town’s drinking water, the state government committed $4million towards remediation works at the station. However, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said with no funding commitment to provide Ayr’s firies with a new alternative
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Burdekin Communications Jaycar was struck by a pair of thieves on Thursday 20 June. Dressed in high visibility clothing and backward Akubra hats, a man and a woman stood directly in front of a functioning security camera and stole a $3,500 camera system from Burdekin Communications Jaycar. SRW Security Services have shared images of the two on social media, and their post has been shared well over a thousand times, with widespread input from the local community to help name the pair of thiev
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Last week, Peter Dutton and the Coalition announced their nuclear energy plan to ensure Australians have access to “zero-emission reliable power” that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “As your Federal Member, I support the announcement made by the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, and Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud MP, as we stand behind all Australians and have a plan to ensure all future generations have access to a strong and reliable energy grid,” Federal Member
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On Wednesday 23 September 2009, Queensland Police Officer, Senior Sargeant Michael Isles was last seen leaving his residential home in Graham Street, Ayr. Wednesday 26 June 2024, was to be for celebrating Senior Sargeant Michael Isles’ 73rd birthday, however, he was celebrated in the memories of those he left behind, still searching for answers. Mick, as he was fondly known, was a praised member of the community, a dear husband to Fiona, and a loved father of three. He served in the police for
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On Sunday 16 June, George Populin and his family gathered at the popular Beach Road mural commissioned by George earlier this year to mark a special occasion. The mural honours two of the Burdekin region’s most respected and influential residents, Maria and Demetrio Populin. The mural was commissioned by the couple’s son, George, to honour his parents following his travels in Italy to uncover his family’s history. Last week’s gathering stood as a memorable event to express their love for Mar
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Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 1/11/2023 Sex: Male Breed: cattle dog x Kid friendly: yes Cat Friendly: untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 5ft Dug is a friendly, goofy but loveable boy looking for a forever home. Dug has a lot of love to give and loves sharing that with humans and other dogs alike. He enjoys playing with toys and is learning some obedience. Dug would benefit from someone that is willing to put the time in to continue his training. If you're looking for a dog that will make you laugh,
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At 4.40pm on Saturday 8 June Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr. As a result a 52yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for unlicenced driving and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June. At 10.00pm on Saturday 8 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr. As a result a 45yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .189 and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July. At 11.35pm on Saturday 8
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On 14 June 2024 a motor vehicle was stolen form an address on Turnbull Road, Home Hill. The offenders then committed numerous other offences between Home Hill and Ayr. Home Hill Police later dealt with a 17-year-old juvenile for seven offences, including Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Evading Police under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. A 14-year-old juvenile was also dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for four offences relating to the matter. On 18 June 202
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The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee carries out outstanding work for the youth of the community, and their importance was generously recognised with Bendigo Bank granting the committee $10,000 as part of their Community Grants. The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee consists of six Chaplains working in ten local state schools within the Burdekin community. Each Chaplain exists to support the social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of all members of the school community, including teachers, parents
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Tuesday 18 June marked the official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub, with the community now able to access a range of mental wellbeing services under one roof. More than 100 locals – including service providers, community members and groups – came together to celebrate the opening and find out what was on offer at the new facility. selectability Chief Executive Officer, Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vit
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The final of the four Wilmar Sugar and Renewable’s Mills in the Burdekin kicked off production on Tuesday 18 June. General Manager Operations, Mike McLeod was on sight to see the first bit tip at Pioneer Mill at 9:50pm on Tuesday evening along with Pioneer Mill’s Manger Operations, Matthew Norton. A milestone beginning, Pioneer’s start leaves Wilmar at 50% production across all its mills, with half of their structures now producing sugar, molasses, and renewable electricity. Leading the way
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Queensland is intensifying its battle against Varroa destructor by employing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), an Extension and Engagement Coordinator, and establishing new surveillance hives for early pest detection. While varroa mite Varroa destructor has not yet been detected in Queensland, it is currently in New South Wales and the State Government has identified that Queensland needs to be prepared for this pest. The varroa mite is an insidious pest that poses a significant biosecurit
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has urged unions to seriously consider a suggestion made by the company earlier this week in a Fair Work Commission hearing that the parties meet and explore the possibility of independent voluntary arbitration as a means of concluding a new enterprise agreement on fair and reasonable terms. However, Wilmar claims that the two unions did not immediately take up the offer while the third rejected the option. The offer to meet and explore the potential of the option
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$2 million in funding has just been announced by the Queensland Government in hopes of managing the State’s feral pig problem. Feral pigs are widespread across Queensland and cause significant harm as pests. They degrade soil and water quality, threaten native species, spread invasive plants, harm agricultural crops and livestock and can even transmit diseases. More than $2 million in funding has been awarded with four new feral pig management coordinators appointed with a focus on investing
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Rural Quip is a dynamic business which has a dedication to providing the Burdekin community with an abundance of materials to ensure each customer can efficiently fulfill their industrial and farming supply needs. Robert and Annette Oar have owned and operated Rural Quip for 43 years and in coming from a farming background, are highly experienced and knowledgeable on all aspects of the business’s operations, product ranges, and the demands of the Burdekin community. Rural Quip’s product range
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OPINION PIECE I sit here as a Grower/Contractor in the Burdekin and a Representative in the Sugar Cane Industry bewildered, confused, concerned and very frustrated about where our mighty industry is heading and whether there’s even a future for our children to come back to the farm. Now most mills in my area and my representative areas are either not performing to what they should be, or even more concerning aren’t going at all. With the agreed set down date to start around early June, in most c
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing. Services currently available at the Centre include: • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711 • Privat
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This week saw the adoption of Council's 2024/2025 annual Budget. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who helped deliver a great budget that aims to stretch the dollars and strengthen our community. Council is very aware of the stress that the cost of living is having on everyone. Without going through it with a microscope, I can tell you that it equates to an increase of $2 per week for residents on the minimum general rate. This small increase combined with rates s
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget was adopted on Tuesday? I am delighted to have presented the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget. Our new team of councillors, elected in March 2024, worked closely with staff to deliver this budget on time, focusing on serving our community now and into the future. Many have asked for no rate increase, but it would be irresponsible to implement a nil increase. Like any business or household, Council has faced cost increases that we h
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