.JPG)
In an attempt to combat youth crime, the Federal Coalition introduced the Crimes and Online Safety Legislation Amendment (Combatting Online Notoriety) Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, seeking to crack down on youth crime by making it illegal to post social media material that glamorises violence and criminal activity. The bill also provides the eSafety Commissioner with specific powers to require such videos and material to be taken down. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said it w
Read more
Home to Queensland’s oldest operating drive-in theatre, the Burdekin was one of the few Queensland communities where residents and visitors could still experience the magic of a movie under the stars at the drive-in. That was before the destructive winds of Cyclone Kirrily struck, peeling off the sheeting of the screen at Ayr’s Stardust Drive-In Theatre. The screen has now been completely removed and, with plans to rebuild, Owner Suzzi Jerkic hopes to preserve the experience of the drive-in for
Read more
Townsville’s Reid Park became an agricultural hub last week as Rotary NQ Field Days brought hundreds of exhibitors and visitors together. The Rotary Clubs of Townsville, the Burdekin and surrounding districts proudly hosted the 2024 NQ Field Days from April 4-5, showcasing best practices in all avenues of farming, agribusiness, and all other relevant industries. The profits made from Rotary NQ Field Days will go directly back into the local Townsville, Burdekin and regional communities. Member f
Read more
Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence. With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get on
Read more
Buddha tells us ‘That the only constant in life is change’. Henry Ford says, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’. They are certainly not wrong. Change is one of the big things we are always navigating here at the Neighbourhood Centre. In the last couple of weeks, we have been presented with a possible big change for our operations, and it got us thinking: How do we work through this change, what are our options, and the big one—how do we feel
Read more
Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council actively seeks feedback from the public on various projects and initiatives that affect the local community and the future development of the region? Council has many processes and activities that involve the public in education and sharing of information. While it is not possible or effective to consult with the community on every issue, Burdekin Shire Council engages the community to enhance Council’s decisions and to facilitate well-informed community
Read more
Ayr had three Air Raid Shelters. Home Hill had two. These were known as Surface Air Raid Shelters with a floor above ground, while the Trench Shelter is a covered trench or tunnel below ground. The latter was to be used in Schools and household gardens. World War II was declared on September 1, 1939, and by September and October of that year, authorities were already establishing Air Raid Precautions (ARP), with emphasis on Air Raid Wardens, their duties and construction of Air Raid Shelters i
Read more
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
Read more
Automated irrigation demonstrations, the Inkerman Mill and the Tassal Prawn Farm in Bowen were all on the agenda when fourteen members of the Proserpine Young Farmers (PYF) group recently toured the Burdekin. The group took the opportunity to share knowledge and compare regional operations and practices with Burdekin growers both young and old. The young farmers got to see and hear about some of the automation technologies being used by a Burdekin grower and also two other systems located on Wi
Read more
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing This time last year, post the annual Dubai sugar conference, there was a reasonably consistent view that the market had upside potential on supply constraints. In effect, the fundamentals played out for most of the year and the speculative money helped push prices to record highs. This spectacularly unwound at the end of our season, and we are now in the mid to lower end of last year’s trading range. The views this year are much more two sided. The
Read more.jpg)
William wasn’t short of any white meat for Good Friday after he caught this 115cm barra. Photo supplied: William Smith Caption 2: Ted’s barra. Photo supplied: Ted Shields Caption 3: Trout and parrot fish were among Kyle’s haul after a weekend at Cape Gloucester. Photo supplied: Kyle Stuart Mclennan Caption 4: Laurinda’s biggest flathead of the day at 63cm caught off the beach at Alva. Photo supplied: Laurinda George Caption 5: A 100cm plus queen fish. Photo supplied: Kristopher Stockham Caption
Read more
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club is proud to present Take The Floor 2024! This year, the club is inviting you back to the ‘Roaring 20s’ for a fantastic night out with friends. Take The Floor will be at the Memorial Hall on Saturday April 20 and will be hosting a live band 'Godfathers of Funk' to help add to the atmosphere along with the four couples for the evening. Couple Number 1: Mick Fraser and Shirley Marshall Recently engaged and living at Alva with their 3 boys, Mick and Shirley are ready
Read more
Burdekin Community Garden is looking forward to inviting the community to its Open Day on Monday, April 15. The garden provides a safe space where members can gather, interact, build friendships and enjoy the garden. Everyone is welcome to visit the garden anytime, while visitors are invited to join every Monday morning from 9:00am to 12:00pm for a cuppa and a chat – weeding the garden is optional – starting from Monday, April 15. 2024 is the Burdekin Community Garden’s third year of operation,
Read more.JPG)
Home Hill’s signature sculpture festival, the Canefields Ephemera, is back for 2024 and the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce is inviting all interested artists, schools, organisations or groups of fellow artists to be involved. The much loved and anticipated annual event is now in its seventh year and has continued to grow to its current standing as an outdoor sculpture exhibition which is sure to impress local and state artists exhibiting works. ‘Ephemera’ is defined by something that exists or i
Read more
Following a hugely successful 2023 sell-out tour, Queen tribute act Bohemian Rhapsody are returning in 2024, bringing a set of the British rock band’s ‘Greatest Hits’ to the Burdekin Theatre alongside some of the most popular songs from their albums. Australia's longest running Queen tribute, performing since 1993, Bohemian Rhapsody stars the internationally acclaimed Thomas Crane and returns in 2024 with their brand new show, ‘Made In Heaven’. Prepare to be transported back in time as the grou
Read more
Burdekin Race Club has revealed the 2024 Faces of the Races in the lead up to next month’s Burdekin Growers Race Day. Loyal patrons Colin and Brittany Bauer and Gianna O'Brien and Chris Tapiolas have been announced as the 2024 Faces of the Races. “We genuinely appreciate the support we receive from these avid race goers who are at almost every race meeting we hold,” Burdekin Race Club said. “We cannot thank you enough and look forward to working with you in the lead up to Burdekin Growers Race D
Read more
Saturday, April 13 to Sunday, April 14 Home Hill Cricket Association Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, the Eugene Pagotto Memorial Canefield Ashes cricket carnival in Home Hill has become a beloved annual event, drawing participants and spectators from far and wide. Originally conceived in 2005 by Doug McCubben who was inspired by the similar concept of Bowen’s Watts Shield, the tournament has evolved into a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, cricket, and community spirit. What began wi
Read more
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the tournament, from maintaining the grounds to organising sponsorship and hospitality—a true testament to the community's collective effort and dedication. “If we didn’t have the backing of the Home Hill Cricket Association and their volunteers, it would never happen,” Doug said. “The club has done a good job of running it over the years, so I think people enjoy coming because they feel welcome, and they want to come back,” added
Read more
FRIDAY APRIL 12 3:00pm FIXTURE FIELD Shouldawornabox v Average Joes 4 SATURDAY APRIL 13 SESSION 1 (7:45AM – 10:15AM) FIXTURE FIELD Bumbo's XI v Sugar Daddies 1 Bowen Bears v Wackers 2 Thirsty Rhinos v Bowen Chargers 3 WWW v Nomads 4 Honeycombes J.D. v Malpass Mongrels 5 Ball Burners v Cane Blisters 6 Shouldawornabox v Dirty Diggers 7 Home Hill Bandits v Average Joes 8 Castlemaine Kings v Clout and Out 9 Lager Louts v Buldgers XI 10 SESSION 2 (10:15AM – 12:45PM) FIXTURE FIELD Bendovers v The
Read more
Year A B C Social Juniors 2005 Horny Bulls Violaters 2006 Honeycombes Auto Bendovers Firies 2007 Honeycombes Auto Horny Bulls Fellowship High Voltage 2008 Sibby's Slashers Castlemain Kings Wackers Clare 2009 A Fish called Wanda Fellowship Wackers High Voltage 2010 A Fish called Wanda Shaggers 11 Enforcers War Machine 2011 A Fish called Wanda Home Hill Rhinos Nomads Honeycombes J.D. Bulls 2012 A Fish called Wanda Sibby's Slashers Castlemain Kings Malpass Mongrels Bulls 2013 Hor
Read more.JPG)
The annual U12s Junior Rugby League Carnival, the Shane Muspratt Cup, returned to Rugby Park in Ayr on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. Hosted by Burdekin Roosters Junior Rugby League Club, the carnival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, bringing together over 500 players across 28 teams to play over the two days. Teams from as far as Cairns, Atherton, Townsville, Mackay and Charters Towers travelled to the Burdekin for the tournament, attracting hundreds of families to the region fo
Read more
The Home Hill Golf Club hosted its annual NQIB Home Hill Open on Sunday, April 7 with a field of 80 players participating in the Men’s Open and 78 in the Women’s. The winner of the Men’s Open was Elio Di Bella while Townsville Golf Club’s Chloe Armstrong took out the Women’s title. Men’s Results A Grade Gross winner Elio Di Bella. R/up Josh Searle. A Grade Nett winner Brendan Walsh. R/up Marcus Yasso A1 Gross winner Dave Harding. R/up Greg Fuller A1 Nett winner Tim Branch. R/up Murray Cannavan
Read more
Wednesday April 24 was a mixed bowls day with 12 bowlers attending with the winners being Bev Garioch, Vanda Ballao and Darelle Pearce and Bev Garioch, Colleen Olsen and Alan Garioch. Ladies Sunday bowls is mixed day for you all to join in. Friday April 5 saw the last night final of B grade pairs played out between Peter Lejarraga and Lloyd Shepherd v Glen Woodford and Tony Battaglia. Peter and Lloyd held lead from start to finish however on the start of last end scores were almost even, but the
Read more
Local Senior and Youth fixtures recommence this weekend. On Friday, Burdekin Panthers Division 1 team is away to Estates at 6:30. On Saturday, Youth Home Games will take place at Honeycombes Park field 1 and International Park field 2. The Under 14/15 vs Warriors at 9:30am and the Under 13s vs Saints at 10:00am. On Sunday at International Park, the Panthers have three games against Saints Eagles Souths, starting with the Under 23s at 2:00 pm followed by the Women at 4:00 and finally the Premie
Read more