Across the Burdekin region, a lack of suitable transport services has left many elderly residents feeling isolated and struggling to access essential appointments and social activities. The issue has become particularly pressing for those without family nearby or the ability to drive themselves. June Bartlett, who cares for her husband aged in his 80s, highlighted the difficulties faced when transport is limited. “When he became very ill and unable to do much, that’s when we really started to
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Future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program has been abolished as per the Federal Government’s recent budget with no ongoing funding to be provided for other key regional communications infrastructure programs. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the axing of the Mobile Black Spot in 2026/27 is a major blow for regional communities, with zero dollars allocated for 2027/28. “For the people of Dawson, there are whole communities that do not have access to mobile connectivity, an
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Opinion Piece As the clock winds down to the rescheduled commencement of the 2024 sugar cane crushing season, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances that the Burdekin won’t be held to ransom during pay disputes. Mr Last said the community deserved to know that the multinational milling company was fulfilling its commitment to the district it operates in. “With forecasts of a bumper crop, it is vital the crushing gets underway on schedule," Mr Last said. "My message to Wilmar Su
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A new program hosted by PCYC Burdekin is inviting those aged 55 and above to get active. Healthy Active Bodies is a group fitness program tailored for mature adults aged 55 plus. The program is based on progressive resistance training and incorporates aerobic exercise, balance and flexibility classes. The classes are circuit based, allowing each participant to exercise at an intensity which is suitable to their needs. “It’s very important, as we age, to keep as fit and healthy as we can,” sai
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At 6.30pm on Saturday 11 May, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr. As a result, a 25yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May. At 1.00am on Sunday 12 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .155 and for unlicenced driving. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 Jun
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A man has died in a quad bike accident on a rural property in the Burdekin. A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson confirmed the man in his 30s was located deceased on a private property on Jack Road, Colevale, north of Brandon, on Monday, May 27. QPS were engaged around 12:45pm on Monday afternoon. “Police will prepare a report for the coroner,” the spokesperson said. “The Forensic Crash Unit will assist in preparing that report.”
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Burdekin Community Association Inc celebrated their 20th National Volunteers Week celebration on Thursday May 23, recognising the vital work of their volunteers and simply saying “thank you”. National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from May 20 to 26. This special event provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go. The volunteer event was centere
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It's common for many of us to plan for our physical assets after we're gone, but we often overlook our digital footprint. While some have prepared a list of online accounts and passwords for their loved ones, it's crucial to consider the broader impact of our digital presence. Should we vanish from the online world completely, or could our social media accounts serve as a platform for our friends and family to navigate their grief? These are important questions worth discussing. Nowadays, many
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Welcome to my first Councillor Column of the new term of Council. Welcome to our new Mayor and three new Councillors. It’s been a busy start and I’m sure an eye-opening experience for my new colleagues. We recently had very well attended ANZAC Day ceremonies. I reflected on my forebears who served this country and those left behind to keep the wheels of society turning so we enjoy the freedoms of today. Their sacrifice gave me the privilege of living in this great nation and afforded me the oppo
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Did you know you can download the prospectus online for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion project? This is an exciting opportunity for businesses and investors looking to be part of the region’s growth and development. The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering economic development and creating new job opportunities in the Burdekin region. With ample land and resources available, this expansion aims to enhance the industrial capabilities of our community a
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Burdekin Chamber Secretary Laurinda George, Guest Speaker Natasha Butler, President Leigh Kefford, Executive Member Marisa Zanella and Vice President Linda Butler Rob and Kari and Ravizza and Alissa Muir John Furnell and Laurinda and John George Onni Joma and Nowetha Sand Holly Alford and Kahlee Lennox Marisa Zanella, Marisa O’Shea and Susan Holznagel
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On Monday, May 27, the Home Hill & Ayr Community Banks hosted their annual Community Grants Presentation Night, gathering the community to highlight the bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives and celebrate significant milestones in their journey. This year, 39 organisations received a total of $369,557 in grants, supporting areas like Youth Services, Sporting Facilities, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Community and Cultural Facilities, Environment, and Employment, on top of an additiona
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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock. Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18. Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry. “The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifyi
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The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association is inviting kids to learn about the environment with its Junior Landcare Program, happening this Saturday, May 1 and the first Saturday of every month. The program is aimed at showing kids the love and importance of the local environment while teaching how to cultivate future carers for the land through conservation. The first Junior Landcare Program ran last month where kids, along with their parents and grandparents, were shown how to assemble a worm fa
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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives. A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days. “Industrial action has already impacted
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Finding your dream home can be an exhilarating journey, filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for an upgrade, here are some top tips to guide you along the way: Define Your Needs and Wants: Start by creating a list of your must-have features versus those you desire. Consider factors like location, size, layout, amenities and style. Knowing what you truly need versus what you can compromise on will help narrow down your search.
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An impressive abode overlooking Macmillan Street in Ayr, Zammit House recently hit the market for the first time, changing hands and allowing former owner and granddaughter, Giselle Lennox, to reflect on its incredible history. The parcel of land at 113-115 Macmillan Street was originally entered into the Land Registry in 1883. It was purchased on April 6, 1933 by PJ Mellick and his wife, Nafley, Lebanese migrants for their daughter Lyla and husband Michael as a wedding gift. The land was in
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Prepare to rock n roll your way through the night of your life when the classic Australian rock band Grinspoon ignites the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Friday October 11. The iconic rock band holds 13 ARIA Award nominations to their name and with over half a million records sold, it’s clear why. Grinspoon’s showstopping discography features much loved hits ingrained in Australian rock history, including Chemical Heart (2002), Black Friday (1998), and More Than You Are (1997). Playing their hits to
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Thursday 6 June Morning Melodies: Some Enchanted Evening Thursday, from 11am We have all heard their songs and we have all enjoyed their musicals. They were known as America’s most successful musical theatre writing team and their partnership has been called the greatest of the 20th Century. Join us for a very special event paying tribute to the timeless music from the legendary Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Featuring your favourite tunes from Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific
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Rehoming fee: $195 DOB: 01.03.2023 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Slow introduction Other cats: Slow introduction Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors Rayne is a young mum and her kittens have recently left the nest so she can now look forward to the next stage of her life, and the loving family that she deserves. Raine is super sweet and affectionate and adores human company. She is okay with other pets but will need time to adapt to her new siblings. Raine is avai
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After 12 talent filled days spread across numerous enormous weekends, the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod has come to a close for 2024. This season marked the organisation's 40th anniversary of running in the region, providing both local and travelled youth an opportunity to stage their talents in a fantastic environment. DANCE 5 YEARS & UNDER TINY TOTS Gold: Gracie O’Brien Silver: Kiera Wright Bronze: Calayah Ferris 7 YEARS & UNDER DEMI CHARACTER SOLO Gold: Lily Whybird Silver: Gracie O’Brien Bro
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Not only have Lindsay Butler OAM and Shaza Leigh OWB been touring the nation for 30 years with their multi-artist roadshow but their record label, LBS Music, has also launched the careers of many of today’s crop of traditional country music stars. Lindsay and Shaza have decided to celebrate their company’s 30th anniversary by hitting the road with a roster of LBS recording artists backed by an incredible six piece ‘Butler Showband’, coming to Home Hill in June. The unassuming couple have quiet
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On Saturday May 25, Inkerman Hill was covered with dedicated and inspiring members of the Burdekin community raising valuable awareness and funds for CORES Queensland. Climb 4 CORES, organised by Janai Giddy, stood as a moving community event with over 30 participants relaying their way up Inkerman Hill from 7am to 11am. The day was sunny, inspirational, and moving with perfect weather, plenty of laughter and a touch of friendly hill climbing competition determined who could run their way do
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On May 11, six debutantes and their partners were introduced into society with their family and friends present at the St Colman’s Catholic School Debutante Ball. The theme was Pretty in Pink, and the girls and their partners showcased their dancing skills learnt over the previous seven weeks. The night started at St Colman's Catholic Church with a small blessing to the debs and partners with their parents present. It was a lovely way to start the night before heading over to the hall with
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The Home Hill Community Sports Club President and ‘Top Dog’, Trevor Elton, sat down for a Q&A with the Spy and the Pork Pie: 1. Where were you born? Brisbane 2. What was your occupation? Retail 3. What is your first drink of the day, tea or coffee? Coffee 4. What is your favourite food? Thai takeaway 5. Which team do you support in State of Origin? Queensland 6. What is your pet hate? Waste of all kinds 7. What is your favourite make of vehicle? Toyota 8. What spo
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