Giru State School, a cornerstone of the small but vibrant community of Giru, is marking a century of educational excellence with a grand celebration. The milestone event, featuring a gala dinner and a lively fete, is set to honour the school’s rich history and its enduring legacy in the region. Giru derives its name from a railway station named on 31 March 1916, based on "goru," a sugarcane variety from New Guinea grown locally. The Invicta Sugar Mill, originally located on the Richmond River
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The Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience, Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) has secured funding to extend its efforts in North Queensland for several more years following last week’s announcement of the Federal Government’s record commitment of over $500 million to the Future Drought Fund. Led by James Cook University, the TNQ Drought Hub is one of eight national hubs tasked with implementing and supporting practices for drought preparedness. The Hub has been collaborating
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445 construction and operational jobs are set to be created as a result of the State Government greenlighting a major phosphate mine in Northwest Queensland. Located 130km northwest of Mount Isa, the North West Phosphate’s Paradise South complex has been granted $300 million in mining leases. The Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart believes the initiative will stand as a vote of confidence from the government and reputable mining companies. “Paradise South will create 445 g
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Opinion piece The crossbench will block the Australian Government’s “disastrous” and “ill-thought-out” fresh food tax in the Senate with Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, saying common sense has prevailed. It comes after The Nationals spent the past year campaigning with farmers and industry against the tax, called a biosecurity protection levy, which would have hurt both families and farmers in Dawson amid a cost-of-living crisis. “This is a win for families, a win for farmers and
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The ICE#11 sugar contract continues to be weighed down by the growing 24/25 forecast global trade surplus. The early start to the Brazilian harvest, and clear weather, has resulted in record breaking production numbers being posted in the UNICA half monthly production reports for April. Seasonal cane tonnages are up and so is the ratio of sugar to ethanol production, particularly for this early in the season. This is forcing analysts to revise their sug
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As the leaves turn and the weather cools, there's no better time to invest in top-quality water storage solutions. This autumn, Tanks Direct is excited to offer unbeatable deals on their premier water tanks: the 23,280L water tank for just $2,999 (including GST) and the 26,000L tank for $3,300 (including GST). For added convenience, an optional pump is available for only $250. Tanks Direct is owned by National Poly Industries who has been a trusted name in the industry since 2011. They have buil
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Caption 1: Aiden Contzonis, Corey Marchionie, Ben Perna, Mark Barbagallo, Jole Hanson and Cody Betteridge Caption 2: Charli Campbell, Alanee Marsh, Gypsy O'Hearn, Maddie Royal, Chayse Barra, Hunter Blomfield and Bailey Pery Caption 3: Christina Paul, Nikki Bowes, and Kellie Stephenson Caption 4: Craig Mcgill, Bailey Stibbs, and Brayden Rowlins Caption 5: Dylan Raitelli, Ryan Kaminski, Hayde Munro, Dustin Priddle, and Harvey Horan Caption 6: Eliza McMullen and Lily Harris Caption 7: Isabella Dowl
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Ayr’s first electric lighting scheme took place at Pioneer and Kalamia Sugar Mills in the sugar rooms in 1894 and 1895. David Edwards, who owned the Delta Hotel in 1910, built the Delta Theatre virtually next door. He installed a DC Generator at the rear of the Theatre to run an electrical lighting system. This was so successful that David Edwards applied to the Ayr Shire Council to supply electric power for commercial use and town lighting in 1914. It took from 1914 to October 1915 before DC po
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In February 2017, eleven people climbed the steep stairs at the Burdekin Library in Ayr. Beginners and experienced writers alike, they dreamed of novels, family histories, memoirs, anthologies and children’s stories. They sought a group of like-minded individuals who would inspire and encourage their creativity. From that meeting, Scratchy Scribblers was formed. Over the next six years, the group changed names and meeting locations multiple times. Members and partnerships came and went, but, thr
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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday May 12 with 30 competitors competing. Conditions on the day were very pleasant, the sun was shining and clouds rolling in from time to time making seeing the targets challenging at times. Burdekin Clay Target Club would like to thank sponsors for the day Raine & Horne and Dal Ponte Electrical. The club’s next shoot will be on Saturday June 8 being the 100 Target Handicap followed by the monthly shoot on Sunday June 9.
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Dean Liotis with his 153cm Spanish Mackerel caught around Cape Upstart. Photo supplied: Tracy Liotis Jason Liotis with his 120cm Golden Trevally caught around Cape Upstart. Photo supplied: Tracy Liotis Will Smith “living the dream” after catching a cod and 81cm barramundi. Photo supplied: Will Smith A haul caught on the last weekend of April. Photo supplied: John Chandler A good catch for a Friday afternoon after school. Photo supplied: Brendan Hervey Peter hauled in a few Jewies, co grunter and
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Rugby league has been played in the Burdekin area for over 100 years and it has been played in various competitions from club matches in both Ayr and Home Hill, Foley Shield as Ayr and Home Hill and later Burdekin, and finally as clubs Ayr and Home Hill in Townsville. Then, after a stint in the Burdekin Whitsunday competition, a club called Burdekin finally entered in the Townsville Rugby League later to have district added to the name. That came about in 1994 making this the 30th year Burdekin
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Round 2 week 2- 16/05: Nat II v Cougars at the National 10-0 Ants v Bombers at the Queens 8-2 Falcons v Nat I at the Anzac 8-2 Crushers had the bye 10 points Points: Nat II - 71, Crushers - 67, Falcons - 58, Ants/Nat I - 48, Cougars - 41 and Bombers 27 Games for Thursday 23/05: Ants v Crushers at Anzac, Cougars v Falcons at Ayr, Bombers v Nat II at Queens and Nat I have the bye Contributed by Kerry Davison Photo: Anzac Falcons
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In the ever-competitive Queensland rental market, tenants are often finding it challenging to secure and maintain a suitable home. With vacancy rates remaining low across the state, here are some top tips for renters to stand out and succeed. Prepare Thoroughly Before Applying Before you start your search, gather all necessary documentation. This includes proof of income, references from previous landlords, and identification. Having these ready can speed up the application process and demonstr
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As the week finished on another week of friendly competition, the greens of Ayr Bowling Club bore witness to remarkable displays of precision and strategy, captivating both seasoned players and newcomers alike with the joy of the games. Monday May 13 saw a competition B Grade Singles. Robyn McAllister def Ruth Moore. Heather Jorgensen def Raylene Hervey. Final to be played between Robyn McAllister and Heather Jorgensen (Marker Sandra Stidston). Good Luck! Ayr Ladies Social Bowls was held on Tue
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A great night was had at Brandon Bowls club trophy night proudly sponsored by BQC Quarry. We had a fantastic number once again and thanks to all those who turned up. Thanks to Garry Pearce who was under the pump to get everyone in a team and on the green. Thanks to Heather Jorgenson and her group of ladies in the kitchen preparing smoko for the end the evening. Thanks to old mate Peter Jorgenson working tirelessly behind the bar providing us with refreshments. And how could I forget our on
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Swerve gift vouchers were hotly contested last Saturday as the Ayr Juniors took part in the Swerve Sponsored day. We would like to thank Kylie and her Swerve family for their continued support for our Junior golfers. In the 3 hole competition, Heath Smart was the gross winner with a great score of 27, and closely behind was Jacob Munro, who took out the Nett prize. In the 6 hole competition, Kyle Wilkie was the gross winner with 46 shots, and Logan McKeough was the Nett winner this week. In 9 h
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On Saturday, May 18, 22 people ran, jogged and walked the Plantation parkrun course, of whom four were first timers and another four recorded new Personal Bests. The event was made possible by volunteers Terry Brennan, Ronda Downs, Rhonda Martin, Flo De Brueys, Stephen Hervey, Harper Anderson and Steve Crouther. Visit the the Plantation parkrun Results Page for the full results and a complete event history. Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun
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One of Australian tennis’ rising stars and Home Hill Tennis Association alumni is competing in Paris after being awarded a main-draw singles wildcard into Roland Garros. The announcement came before Adam made his top-100 debut in the latest ATP Tour singles rankings after winning an ATP Challenger title in Chinese Taipei, rising 16 places to a career-high world number 95. The 25-year-old from Home Hill has tallied 32 match wins and contested four ATP Challenger finals so far in 2024, boosting hi
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Local Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had just three games. On Friday the Division 1 met Ingham in Townsville and lost 0-4. On Sunday the Premiers and Under 23s were both away to Brothers with the Under 23s winning 3-0 and the Premiers doing very well to draw 1-1. This weekend the Funkies are away to SES in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Warriors on Saturday. The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers having played Brothers twice this year already, wit
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After a bye for all three grades last weekend, the Roosters and Hens will be back on the paddock on Saturday playing Centrals in three grades at Rugby Park. The Tigers come to Ayr just above the Roosters in A grade with one win, three losses and two byes to the Roosters one win, four losses and one bye. Last Saturday, the Tigers were well beaten by the high flying Souths at the sports reserve 64 – 16. In comparison, the Roosters have met Souths twice in the draw going down on both occasions 40 –
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More strike action is planned in the Burdekin and across north Queensland as pay negotiations continue between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees. Workers represented by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) held strikes near Wilmar’s Inkerman Mill in Home Hill on Thursday, May 9 and Monday, May 13, with the three unions giving notice of intention to engage in another 24-hour strike next Tuesday, May 21. T
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Hi readers What a big weekend we have coming up in the Burdekin! For those eager to dress to the nines for a day at the races, the Burdekin Growers Race Day is the place to be on Saturday. I have friends from Ingham who, before I moved to Home Hill, told me all about the iconic race day and I’ve certainly been feeling the excitement throughout town. I’ll sadly miss the big day as I’ll be heading down to Mackay for my cousin’s engagement party (certainly not a sad alternative), but my trusty coll
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With the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod well underway, students from Burdekin Christian College have been putting their hospitality skills to the test, preparing and providing food and beverages for the countless volunteers involved in the Eisteddfod. The school took to social media to share their pride with their students. “So proud of our Eisteddfod helpers today,” the post read. “What an amazing job they have been doing to keep all the volunteers fed and watered!” The school also urged the publi
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Easing cost of living pressures and investing in an Australian-made future are at the forefront of the Australian Government’s 2024-25 budget which was handed down on Tuesday, May 14. Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the budget “responsible and restrained”, saying, “This Budget strikes the right balance between keeping pressure off inflation, delivering cost of living relief, supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening public finances. “This Budget forecasts a second surplus in 2023–24
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