Early bird tickets for the revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival are going on sale this week and organisers are expecting them to be snapped-up quickly with some of the most popular ticketed events capped at 100 seats. Attracting an enticing range of highly-acclaimed authors, this years’ event will welcome big names such as Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, a
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You’re Invited DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Candlelight Vigil followed by exhibition of Artwork "Through her eyes” Where - Burdekin Community Association 130 Queen Street Ayr When - Wednesday 15th May 6pm-7:30pm RSVP Essential Ph 47833744 rebecca.grogan@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Over the long weekend the Lower Burdekin Scout Group joined other Scout groups for a long weekend of fun activities on Magnetic Island. The Scouts travelled by ferry on Friday evening and had transport waiting for them which they took to their camp at Rover Hut at Florence Bay. After setting up tents, dinner and a safety briefing the Scouts got some sleep preparing for an early and busy next day. After watching sunrise Scout Leader Chris Berkery said the rest of the day was filled with activi
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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group went above and beyond to get into the ANZAC spirit this year. Three Scouts slept over in the Den on Wednesday night, the night before ANZAC day and to get in the ANZAC spirit they cooked ANZAC biscuits on an open fire. The three Scouts, Brianna, Caitlyn and Austin prepared and baked the biscuits. Some were successful but some were burnt and hard, but nonetheless, the Scouts ate the good ones for supper! Scout Leader Chris Berkery said next time they may have
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With this being my first Councillor Column, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who showed faith in me to represent the views of the community in council. The election has given us a new council with a mix of experience and new blood. It excites me to see what we can achieve. As most know, local government is complex. Figuring out where a councillor can make positive change is the challenge. Once the new councillors all find their feet, I am sure we will do just that. We have now
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Have you ever wondered how you can stay informed about what's happening in your local Council? Burdekin Shire Council holds meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and the best part is, they're open to the public. This means you have a fantastic opportunity to stay informed within your community. But that's not all – you can also conveniently access meeting agendas and minutes right from the comfort of your own home through Council's website. This ensures that you're always in t
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Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 1/10/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Bullarab x Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 6ft Mabel is looking for a very special home, one full of love, patience, understanding and dedication to help this girl reach her full potential. Sadly, Mabel arrived at Angel Paws from a very abusive place and because of this she takes a bit of time to trust humans. However, once she does, she will give you all the love that she has. It's taken time for Mabel to
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If you are just starting on your plant growing journey or you just don’t have space for a backyard veggie garden, then herbs in a pot are a great way to start growing. Herbs such as Rosemary and Sage that originated from the Mediterranean regions, enjoy tough growing conditions. Rosemary is a well-known accompaniment for lamb and sage for chicken and peas. These herbs like to dry out between watering and don’t like being over fed (fertilised) as they are used to growing in poor, stony soil. So
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In the bustling heart of Queensland's sugar industry, a significant agreement unfolded on April 30, 2024, between QCAR and Mackay Sugar. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for sugarcane growers statewide, as QCAR continues to strengthen its relationships and extend its reach beyond the Burdekin’s borders, staying true to its mission of providing Queensland-wide representation. As part of this ongoing mission, QCAR has been diligently fostering partnerships and agreements across the state, e
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The Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated, in Ayr, have recently been awarded a grant of $9,450 as part of a shared Australia-wide $1.4 million grant for rural areas, from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR). This funding will be utilised to establish an additional storage area for the wood crafters. The initiative aims to enhance the group's capacity to support community projects and minimise environmental waste by facilitating the purchase and outfitting of a storage faci
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Excitement is building as expressions of interest (EOI) to showcase Queensland’s AgTech innovation ecosystem, alongside international agrifood tech and innovation event AgriFutures evokeAG 2025, open in less than a month. AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 was officially launched last week on April 18, with entrepreneurs, key agricultural stakeholder groups and senior Queensland and Local Government figures coming together to back the event. AgriFutures evokeAG., to be held in Brisbane on February 18-19
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Introducing Kevin Swanson, who is the newly appointed Dealer Principal of Burdekin Motor Group, starting in his new position just eight weeks ago. Kevin’s career spans nearly 38 years and he has recently moved to the area, drawn by the warmer climate of the Burdekin-Townsville region. A country-boy at heart, Kevin was born and raised in a country town of just 3800 people. He left when he was 22 and moved to the big smoke of Melbourne Victoria, where he started his career in the automotive bus
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“The time for talking is over! “Immediate, large-scale, effective action is what’s required if we’re to have any hope of halting the march of Red Imported Fire Ants,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has said. Mr Menkens, who has been touring the Burdekin cane-growing region this week with National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke, accused the state and federal governments of failing in their duty to protect Australians from the dangerous invasive species. “Sugarcane growers h
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Did you know you can claim a tax deduction for putting up to $27,500 into your super? That means if you put say $10,000 into your super, you could get a tax refund of up to $4,700 depending on what you earn. Tax deductible contributions into super are taxed at 15% on the way into the fund. You then claim them as a tax deduction in your personal income tax return and if you’re earning between $45,000 and $120,000 than you get a personal tax refund of 34.5%. If you’re earning under $45,000 th
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The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition has made its exciting debut in the region, standing as an educational event where schools showcase their student’s skills in growing the best sugarcane. Canegrowers Burdekin (CBL) launched the friendly competition in collaboration with Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), Sugar Research Australia (SRA), and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival to highlight the agricultural talents of students and staff whilst creating a sense of
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Saturday 18 May Burdekin Growers Race Day Saturday, from 11am The Burdekin Growers Race Day is the Burdekin's premier 18+ social event of 2024 with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to the Home Hill Race Club. The event is not only about horse racing but also about fashion. The Fashion's on the Field is a hotly contested event amongst race goers. The day is filled with thousands of dollars worth of prize giveaways and every patron receives a free box of locally grown fruit and vegetables
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The Burdekin Torpedoes hit the pool for the last time this season on ANZAC Day with the club championships being held at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre. It was a celebration of some great swimming over the season and on the day; with Age champions being awarded and some prestigious Club Awards. The pool was pumping with some dance tunes and with Mick McConnachie showing the younger generations some groovin' dance moves on pool deck the stage was set for some fast, fun swimming. Club Records wer
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Round 1 week 7 - 02/05: Nat I v Ants at the National 6-4 Nat II v Crushers at the Ayr 7-3 Falcons v Bombers at the Anzac 10-0 Cougars had the bye 10 points Points: Nat II - 53, Crushers - 50, Nat I & Falcons - 44, Cougars - 38, Ants - 36 and Bombers 15 Games for Thursday 09/05: Start of Round 2 so all home games, Bombers have the bye Photo: Cougars – Ayr Hotel
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Tuesday 30th April saw the Ladies Social Bowls kick off the week. There was a close game of Rinks, winners were Katharina Stuckler, Karen Page, Linda Guimelli & Irene Wilson Def Karen Shepherd, Beryl Cornford, Heather Jorgensen & Betty Schultz. Also on Tuesday, four of our Club members went up to Suburban Bowls Club for the NQDLBA President's Day. On Wednesday, Mixed Social Bowls were held during the day. There were two games of Triples and one game of Rinks. Winners were John Pirrone; Gordon
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Last weekend, the club rugby league scene in the Burdekin took a pause as the Townsville Foley Shield teams ventured to Mackay for North Queensland trials alongside Cairns and Mackay. Among the standout performers were three Burdekin Roosters players, Jeremiah Marutatu, Henry Teuteu, and Chris Gale, who showcased their skills on the field. In an exhilarating display of rugby league prowess, Townsville emerged triumphant in both the men's and women's divisions of the XXXX Foley Shield. The men's
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Local There were no games last week as it was the May Day weekend. This weekend all four Burdekin teams are in action. On Friday night the Division One Funkies are at home to Estates and on Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women are all at home to MA Olympic. Panthers Striker Jay Leckenby has been nominated as Player of the Month for April. Teammate Mattew Kolb was also nominated. Congratulations to both players. Juniors The Juniors also had the weekend off because of the Public Holida
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Thousands of people attended a variety of different Anzac Day events in the region last Thursday. School children learnt the power of history, Veterans remembered their own unique journeys and everyone in the community came together to say thank you to those who gave their lives to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today. From Ayr to Home Hill, Brandon to Giru, communities came together to remember and pay their respects. Afterwards, games of Two-Up were held and festivity commenced. The Anzac Da
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A woman died in a traffic crash at Inkerman on Tuesday this week at around 1.20pm. Two cars collided on the Bruce Highway near Wallace Road, approximately 10km south of Home Hill. The 70-year-old woman from Gumlu, driving the Hyundai I30, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 61-year-old Ayr woman was injured and transported to Townsville University Hospital by QGAir.
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As many of you know, Sam is on holiday for a couple of weeks so in his absence you will see some of our other team members out and about in the region. Many of you will be familiar with our Sales Team, Jake Greenfield and Ruby Gorlick, and many of you will have seen our 6-foot red-headed cadet journalist Daniel Heggie taking photos at the Anzac Day events last week. Daniel is our newest recruit and he brings to the table an impressive background of knowledge and experience, with not only a deg
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A local family is feeling the love this week, with their local school gathering together to support young Lily Arroita who is living with Turner Syndrome. This is a rare condition that only affects females and is caused when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. Lily was diagnosed in November 2022, which Lily’s mother said was quite late. “Lily was considered quite old to be diagnosed,” she said. “Usually, it can be picked up at birth, but as girls get to puberty age, it
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