The Burdekin Men’s Shed was invited to volunteer their time to operate the barbeque at a recent event and have been presented with a donation in recognition of their efforts. AGnVET Rural Ayr hosted its annual grower barbeque, an event to say thank you to its customers, last Wednesday, March 6, where volunteers from the Burdekin Men’s Shed manned the barbeque and fed the 180 attendees. A different local not-for-profit organisation is invited each year to operate the barbeque, and this year the B
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A recent roadshow through north Queensland invited growers to hear from Rabobank’s experts on what the organisation believes the future holds for the sugarcane industry. Pia Piggott is an Associate Analyst in the research division of Rabobank, RaboResearch, who presented to growers in Ayr on Thursday, March 7 at the Burdekin Theatre. Based in Sydney, Pia’s role includes public speaking at events, recording RaboResearch podcasts and publishing various reports, generating widespread media coverage
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Thousands of Burdekin residents have called for their local police to be bolstered and funding for security patrols in an overwhelming response to a petition supported by Member for Burdekin Dale Last. More than 3,000 business owners and residents fed up with soaring youth crime in the Burdekin put pen to paper over recent weeks with Mr Last now assuring the community that this was not the end of the action. “This community has sent a clear message to this state Labor government that the current
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The Burdekin’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival has been named as one of the best Festivals or Events in the country after receiving Silver at the Grey Nomad Awards. Hosted in Home Hill from May 26-27, 2023, the biennial festival showcases and celebrates the rich agricultural lifestyle of the Burdekin, with highlights including the first cane fire of the season and the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said being awarded and re
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A GoFundMe has been started after a Burdekin family lost their Home Hill home to fire last week. Jimmy McGrath and Tan-gina Campman, along with their three children, returned from a shopping trip on the afternoon of Friday, March 8 to find their Hurney Road home engulfed in flames. Fire crews were unable to contain the blaze before the house was destroyed. A friend of the family, Angie Williams, started the fundraiser to raise funds for the family. “All funds raised will be put towards things l
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Opinion piece Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has hit back at claims that Council is denying landholders entry to their properties, and defended Council staff involved in the activities following recent media surrounding the Giru properties. Ms McLaughlin condemned advertisements published by the complainant likening Council’s Chambers to the Kremlin and officers labelled as ‘untouchables.’ “When we are in a period of time where many residents in our own community are impacted by war
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Queenslanders will go to the polls this Saturday, March 16 for the 2024 local government elections. In the Burdekin, two people are vying for the position of Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council, while 13 people are campaigning for six seats on the council. On Saturday, you will be asked to place the number 1 next to the mayoral candidate you’d like to vote. You will then be asked to place the numbers 1 to 6 next to the councillor candidates you’d like to vote for – the order of these numbers has no
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The search to locate a 42-year-old man missing from Home Hill since Sunday, December 10, 2023, is ongoing as police are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance. Phillip Malayta was last seen driving a green Toyota Avalon sedan near a sugar cane property near Rita Island Road, Jarvisfield, on the morning of December 10. The vehicle was recovered by police along Richard Street, Ayr that afternoon. SES volunteers and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services RPAS drone pilots joined the Town
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Police have charged three people in relation to an alleged Nissan Patrol which was stolen from a residence in Canberra Street, Ayr during the night of Saturday March 9, 2024. This vehicle was located in Townsville and was subject to a tyre deflation device deployment near the Willows Shopping Centre in Kirwan As a result, an 18yr old Townsville man was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlicenced driving as well as other property offences
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Facing homelessness for the second time in five years, Jenny Harper and her daughter Katie were running out options. Upon finding a secure rental in Home Hill, the mother-daughter duo turned to their unique skillset of dog grooming as a way to save money to buy the house. Jenny, who lives with a disability, and Katie, who is also Jenny’s carer, were living in Townsville when they were evicted from their home for reasons out of their control. They returned to the Burdekin where Jenny grew up, fin
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An eerie shadow spotted in video footage taken by a mother of her children swimming in Rollingstone Creek, north of Townsville, has been confirmed to be the outline of a saltwater crocodile. Wildlife officers have used photos and videos, captured on Saturday, March 2, to confirm the presence of an estimated three-metre crocodile in the Rollingstone Creek swimming hole, while the presence of three crocodiles was later confirmed in the creek system well downstream from the swimming hole. Senior Wi
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council has a comprehensive set of animal regulations? Council’s animal regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of animals and people and to promote responsible pet ownership and community harmony. There are local laws that specify the minimum standards for keeping different types of animals, such as birds, poultry, horses, cows, sheep, goats, and more. Depending on the size of your property and the number of animals you want to keep, you ma
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A recent International Women’s Day (IWD) breakfast hosted by Burdekin Christian College (BCC) invited over 100 mothers and daughters to feel inspired by guest speakers. One guest speaker was Judith Arroita, mother of BCC student Lily, who spoke about Lily’s journey with Turner Syndrome. Turner Syndrome is a condition that affects only females, resulting when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing, where most girls are born with two X chromosomes. Lily was diagnosed in November
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Did you know that the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre links the community with various services, social groups, and community organisations? Neighbourhood Centres are places where people meet to build connections and strengthen their community. They provide a safe and welcoming environment for all community members to access essential services and participate in social activities. Essentially, they help bring people closer together and create a sense of belonging within their community - they are
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 globally, honouring the achievements of women. Zonta International’s theme for IWD 2024 is, “Count her in: accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment”. To celebrate IWD, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc hosted a High Tea at BCHS Marcellin Centre on Sunday, March 10. The afternoon was a wonderful success with guests travelling from Brisbane, Townsville, and the Whitsundays to enjoy the afternoon’s activities. The ve
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Meet Kaylee Boccalatte Of Dal Santo’s Deli Star sign: Gemini Fav Colour: Blue Fav holiday destination: The tropical island destination called Rita Fav quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi Something most people don’t know about you: I have unwittingly become a collector of unread books – I see them in the shop, buy them and then … they sit on the bookshelf. Describe your personality in three words: determined, honest and reliable. Kaylee Boccalatte was born and rai
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Servicing the Burdekin and its surrounding North Queensland regions, ML Partners Pty Ltd has been a beacon of financial expertise since its incorporation in 2013. Founded by directors Peter McKaig and John Licciardello, this accounting and financial services firm boasts a rich history, with both leaders having been integral to the business since 1994 and 1995, respectively. But what sets ML Partners apart is not just its longevity in the industry, but also its commitment to fostering a unique an
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From tablecloths, doonas, curtains and pillowcases to old electrical cables, earphone wire and aluminium can pull rings, the Burdekin Artisans Community Association is inviting the community to recycle for Burdekin Rags to Runway. The annual event showcases clothing and accessories made from repurposed materials and calls for entrants to exhibit their creativity by transforming used clothing into fashionable runway pieces. “It’s about recycling fabric and other materials into a wearable item of
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The Burdekin community had one last chance to hear from mayoral and councillor candidates ahead of Saturday’s local government election at a Q&A forum hosted by Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) last Wednesday, March 6. Candidates took to the stage of the Burdekin Theatre auditorium where they were impeccably asked carefully considered questions relating both to the agricultural industries and good governance. The evening took a “speed dating approach” where each candidate was give
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Ryellen Heliwork was established in 1999 by chief pilot Ryan Jones. As a farmer himself, Ryan knows the costs incurred to the bottom line due to vines in cane. 2024 is shaping up to be a good season for the sugar cane industry in the Burdekin. However, ideal growing conditions for vine has seen a severe outbreak across the district and is likely to cause the upcoming harvest a great deal of stress, by inhibiting harvesters moving through the paddocks. The recent cyclone has also allowed the vin
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Caption 1: Dave Nielson and Jason Res Caption 2: Brett Dal Bello and Vince Caption 3: Joe and Margaret Linton Caption 4: Flynn, Ryan and Suzie Brownlie Caption 5: Mark Elwood and Ian Boyle Caption 6: Shane O’Flanagan, Scott Haynes and Morgan Lewis Caption 7: Andrew Franklin, Mark Hudson and Mitch McColl Caption 8: Gary Lyons, Paul Marano and Jessie Lanyon Caption 9: Mario Barbagallo, Mark Rossato and Phillip Cardillo Caption 10: Wayne Squires, Marnie McCullough and Elaine Alker Caption 11: Volun
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As the recipients of one of the bank’s community grants, Lower Burdekin Landcare have thanked the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr for its sponsorship last year. Lower Burdekin Landcare received a grant of $16,500 which volunteers said will help keep the clubhouse and nursery viable. The funds were used to install solar panels on the roof of the clubhouse and purchase a Toro Zero Turn mower so volunteers can maintain the nursery without relying on people slashing it for them. “The transition t
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Caption: Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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Local sporting organisations and residents are encouraged to take part in consultation activities to develop a new Sport and Recreation Plan for the Shire. Burdekin Shire Council has engaged MAK Planning and Design, an external consultant, to develop the plan in partnership with local sporting organisation and community stakeholders, aiming to help Council and the community to plan and deliver better services and infrastructure in the Shire. Consultation sessions will be held on Monday March 18
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The Burdekin Potters are going from strength to strength, with the local branch of the Bendigo Bank, providing funds to expand storage space for the rapidly growing club. Bendigo Bank has once again shown their support for ‘not-for-profit’ groups by offering a grant which provided the funds to erect a much-needed storage shed as an addition to their clubhouse. Located in Plantation Park, The Burdekin Potters have seen a significant increase in membership in the last four years, with almost 6
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