Local businessowners were once again offered the invaluable opportunity to network with fellow peers and professionals as Burdekin Shire Council’s hosted its Industry Breakfast on Wednesday, May 1, a key event to launch Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM). Serving as a platform for skill development and gaining insights into the support structures that bolster Burdekin’s business and agricultural communities, the Industry Breakfast featured guest speakers Dominique Lamb, the Queensland Small
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Burdekin Shire Council last week announced a new initiative in a bid to manage the flying fox population in Memorial Park, Home Hill ahead of the Anzac Day commemorations. On Wednesday April 24, from 5:30am to 7:00am, Council trialled a non-invasive dispersal method that has shown to be effective in other communities. The approach involves the use of a small, portable smoke machine that emits a safe, non-toxic, non-irritant and water-based smoke, ensuring no harm to people, pets, or wildlife
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On-site activities have ramped up on Burdekin Falls Dam as the Queensland Government works to raise the dam by two metres and improve its resilience against extreme weather. 22 jobs will be supported by these on-site activities over the coming months, with the majority from North Queensland, while the project will create more than 350 jobs during construction. Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said Queensland’s largest dam is about to get even bigger. “With the project set to create 350 jobs duri
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The Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) has hit a winning streak after their success in securing a Bendigo Bank Community Grant. Sheree McKaig, the Grants Officer for BNA, expressed her enthusiasm for the $36,000 grant, highlighting its significance in advancing the association's initiatives. Established in 1970, BNA has been a pivotal fixture in the Burdekin community, providing sporting opportunities for over five decades. With a robust membership base spanning juniors to seniors, the associa
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A new CT scanner, addressing housing and cutting power prices are among the priorities Member for Burdekin Dale Last will be looking for in the upcoming final state budget before October’s state election. The 2024/2025 state budget will be handed down in less than two months and with plenty of opportunities and investment needed right across the electorate, Mr Last said it was only fair that the Burdekin received its share of the funding pie. “The diversity of the Burdekin Electorate means that
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With school recommenced for this term, just a timely reminder for parents who drop their children off at local schools. Drop off zones are exactly that, pull up and drop off your children then leave. If you intend on walking your child into school, park elsewhere. We don’t want to cause any traffic congestion during an already busy time of the day. Don’t stop in the lane of travel waiting for vehicles that are parked, picking up children, to leave that space, as this back up and congests traff
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The new cookies at Home Hill News and Café inspired this week's column. Coffee and Anzac biscuits from Alfie’s Bakery helped the ideas to flow. Basic Community Cookie Recipe Ingredients • Active listening and understanding to create a solid foundation. • An open mind to add unique and interesting flavours. • Kindness to help the cookie to rise and achieve its full potential. • A sprinkle of humour to keep things light and fun. • A dash of acceptance to create a welcoming an
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Firstly, I would like to thank the residents of the Burdekin for your vote at the recent election which enabled me to become a Councillor. Since being elected to Council, life has been crazy. Trying to juggle life, work, exercise, and everything else life throws at you. Council will be challenging learning new Policies, procedures, and the everyday working of the council. It has been interesting to learn how things work, and the thought that goes into the decision-making process that could affec
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Did you know you there are online resources and educational information on waste management? Explore the Council's website to discover the advantages of recycling, gain insights on proper waste sorting, understand the recyclable and non-recyclable items, and locate the nearest landfill. Download posters and flyers to promote recycling in your school or workplace or get the kids involved in good waste management practices these school holidays. There is some great information about what you can
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National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Jochinke received a taste of the sweet life when he visited the heart of Queensland sugarcane country earlier this week. A grain and livestock farmer from Victoria, Mr Jochinke enjoyed some beautiful Queensland sunshine while visiting farms throughout the Burdekin region, where he caught up with local Canegrowers members. The NFF president, who was in town for the Canegrowers Burdekin AGM on Tuesday, learned firsthand of the challenges and
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Two of Australia’s leading cane organisations have joined forces, in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry. By combining their strengths, the two organisations aim to better serve their members, advocate for sugarcane farmers, and secure a stronger future for the industry. Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) Chairman Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and the Australian Cane F
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By Chelsea Ravizza After decades of shining a light on the extraordinary talents of the region’s youth, 2024 marks the 40-year anniversary of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod has proudly stood as one of North Queensland’s most celebrated talent showcases for young performers since its establishment in 1983 by President, Marie Finn. Marie introduced the cherished event to the region with two integral principles: fairness and opportunity, and believes the eisteddfod stands as a pre
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During the previous week, on April 23, a Senate committee discussed the potential effects of Federal Government’s suggested fresh food tax, raising major concerns about its implications, including heightened cost of living and elevated grocery expenses for locals. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP are rallying against the proposal, stating that the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on famili
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Be taken to another world at Burdekin Theatre with a puppet show like you have never seen before. This unique performance offers audience interactions with the life-like puppets of real-life animals, you’ll feel like you have transported into a habitat, immersed into their secret world. Explore alongside these exotic and rare creatures for a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that co-inhabit this place we call earth. Brought to you by ARC Erth, this innovat
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Set on the backdrop of sleepy, beautiful Bowen, this beachy town is the perfect retreat in the Whitsundays. Away from the typical hive of activity that sees Airlie Beach flurry, Bowen provides a calmer atmosphere to enjoy a family holiday. Visit the Cinema Summergarden Theatre is perfect for a warm day in North Queensland. Constructed in 1948, the modern films meet classic vintage theatre charm. Located at Queens Beach, the experience that the Summergarden Theatre offers is special and unique
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The much loved comical, mind-blowing, and wildly entertaining theatrical showcase, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival, will grace the Burdekin Theatre’s stage on 31 May for its 49th year. Each of the region’s secondary schools; Ayr State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic High School, and the Burdekin Christian College are set to perform a one act play in a non-competitive environment to showcase their talents to audiences. The Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival
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Home Hill Police Station counter will be closed for administration related inquiries from 3:00pm 3 May 2024 until 2 June 2024 due to Josie being on leave. For any inquiries relating driver licencing or firearms, please attend – Queensland Transport functions: • Online at - www.tmr.qld.gov.au • Ayr QGap (Ayr Courthouse) 163 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:30am – 4:30pm Firearms: • Online at - www.police.qld.gov.au • New Applications – Australia Post 155 Queen Street, Ayr – 9:00am -5:
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A lively audience of 70 people attended the fifth annual Rags to Runway event which was held at the Greek Hall in Home Hill over the weekend. The event saw creatives all kinds come together to exhibit their extraordinary fashion designs which saw entrants transform everyday items into stunning pieces of clothing. This eco-friendly extravaganza is an opportunity for the community to repurpose items, sending a message of renewal, while also flexing their creative muscles for all to enjoy. Spons
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Thursday afternoon (ANZAC DAY) social bowls saw 12 players take part. Two games of triples were played. Rink 3: Judy, Joclyn and Stephen were much too strong for Mick M, Bob and Mark, winning 24 to 9 and 11 ends to 7. Rink 6: Karl/Yogi, John and Wayne defeated Margaret, Mick O and Joe 22 to 8, and also 11 ends to 7. Today's winners by mystery draw were Judy, Joclyn and Stephen. Thanks to today's sponsors Ray and Rosemary Menkens. Tuesday Trimmers is going well, as is Wednesday morning
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We had 16 players turn up Saturday morning for the April Monthly Medal. Congratulations to Hudson, Evelyn and Oscar on the Monthly Medal wins, for 3 holes, 6 hole and 9 hole respectively. Gross winners for the morning were Heath, for 3 holes, Riley, for 6 holes, and Ethan, for 9 holes. There will be a break next week for the May Day public holiday, juniors will be back in a fortnight on the 11th May. Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.
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A good crowd at Rugby Park last Sunday saw two good games of rugby league when the Roosters hosted Bowen in reserve grade and Souths in A grade. The premiership favourites, Souths, showed why they have that mantle by showing the locals just how to concentrate for an entire game. The Townsville visitors took the A grade 46 to 20 but not before the locals had given them a fright. Leading 12 – 10 and watching Burdekin denied a try, the visitors took advantage and moved the ball down field and s
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The Home Hill Tennis Association will be proudly hosting the 43rd Annual Sugar Bowl iconic teams event this weekend. It is known as the sweet spot on the North Queensland tennis calendar. In 1981, Lex and Pat Anderson initiated the teams event by inviting captains from as far afield as Mackay and Ingham to form teams and come to the Burdekin and play off for the inaugural Sugar Bowl. Today, we have teams that travel from Brisbane to Mareeba and all places in between. Continued on page 30 Sugar B
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