There are many groups throughout the Burdekin offering residents the opportunity to pursue and develop their creative pursuits, and one of these is the Burdekin Night Writers, a vibrant online writing group with roots dating back to 2007. Founded by the visionary Cherelle Murphy, the group initially convened at her residence for a remarkable 15 years. In 2019, facing the challenge of Cherelle's move to palliative care, the group seamlessly transitioned online to ensure her continued participati
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Caption 1: Molongle Beach Caravan Park Managers Amanda and Drew Caption 2: David Flower of Airlie Beach serenaded the crowd Caption 3: Carisa, Micah, and Mark Caption 4: Angie Wagner and Tom Castorina Caption 5: John and Laurinda Caption 6: Rick King and Bulldog Caption 7: Kerry and Luie Pensini Caption 8: Paul and Jack Lowis Caption 9: Kira, Peter, and Chase Larsen Caption 10: Jean Woodford, Ann Stewart, and Lesley Bonanno Caption 11: Gary Petersen, Shannon Peckett and Robert Ness Caption 12: D
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The 2024 football season started last Saturday for Burdekin FC. The Panthers were away to Estates in the Kappa Cup. It was a good start to the season with the Panthers winning 2-1 at Victoria Park in Townsville. The boys were keen to get into their first fixture of the year. The Panthers always seem to do well in the Cup and wanted to continue that. Burdekin started well with Matthew Kolb hitting the post with a well drilled left foot shot. With lots of short, sharp passing, the Panthers were a
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Hordes of people descended on the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday February 10 for their annual Beach Golf Day. The day kicked off with the drawing event of their Top 100 Club, where the masses mingled over lunch and drinks until the big wheel revealed the lucky winners. First prize went to Ena Daniels, whilst Carol Rossato was the winner of second prize. 20 teams took to the unique beach golf course to make their way around the 6 holes, enjoying an afternoon of sunshine, sand and laughs.
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The services of some of its most dedicated members and volunteers were recognised by Burdekin Race Club at a presentation late last year. At a race meeting on December 9 2023, four volunteers were presented with Life Memberships while a further four were honoured for their volunteer service. “It’s all about recognising those many years of volunteering,” said Burdekin Race Club President Rick Gudge. “Everything that’s done here is done by volunteers and, without them, there’s no club.” Life Memb
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A year away from home playing in southern Queensland has given forward Tate Brombal extra incentive to be a part of the Burdekin Roosters A grade side this season. After being in and out of the top grade in 2022, Tate decided to test himself in another League. Last year took him south to Warwick where he signed with the Warwick Cowboys under coach Col Speed, a man highly regarded in the coaching ranks in the state. Speed last year coached Toowoomba in the 47th Batallion Trophy which is played be
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The weekend of February 3-4 saw the Burdekin Torpedoes take on the might of North Queensland swimming in Townsville, at the Townsville Tourists meet which boasted a whooping 282 swimmers from across the region. The Torpedoes had 15 swimmers representing our district with the youngest Brielle Sangiuliano having her first swim meet at just age 5. The heat was on and with some fast swims on both days, the Burdekin Torpedoes had some great results, with plenty of personal best times being achieved.
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Tuesday February 6 Winners of the Amcal sponsored day were Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen, defeating Raylene Hervey and Isabel Cislowski. Meryl Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power defeated Lynette Storrie, Elaine Young and Irene Wilson. A donation was presented to our local SES John and Rosemarie Winn by Ayr Ladies Bowls President Sandra Stidston. Results for Wednesday Feb 7: Winners were John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch who defeated Happy Horan, Anthony Bull and Ray Wall.
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Friday night’s highlight was the singles match between Pancho and Gary Pearce. Pancho set the pace early on in the game only to lose to Gary in later stages of game. Gary Pearce joined three other energetic bowlers in Chris Pearce, Peter Lejarraga and Lloyd Shepherd. Bowen Invitational Fours has been going for many years and along with 15 other teams the competition was very strong. Teams came from Townsville in the North to Mackay in the South. Three rounds on Saturday and the team walked away
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Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls saw 18 players take to the green on February 7. The winners for the night were Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl. Thursday February 8 also saw 18 bowlers do battle on Rummeny Green. Thanks again to the sponsor Rocky Ponds Produce. The winners on the day were Paul, Judy and Glen. Barefoot bowls again on Wednesday night with a pre-game snag Sanger as well as Wednesday morning craft group, Tuesday Trimmers, Thursday morning bingo and Thursday arvos for social bowls. The
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It was all looking good for Friday Junior Cricket to kick off after it was called off the previous week due to wet fields. That was until around 2:30pm when the rain came down at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which dashed our hopes for play. It also put in jeopardy our home game against Wanderers in the Under 17 Townsville competition the next morning. The start time for this game was put back to 12 noon in the hope that pitch would dry out enough. Thanks to our groundsmen for their h
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Ayr Junior Golf held its first game for the year last Saturday, February 10. The weather was hot, but a nice group of players came ready to get back into it. Many regular members returned along with two new players, Celine and Heath. A mini 3 hole, 6 hole and 9 hole competition was played. Heath was the gross winner for 3 holes, Opie was the Nett winner. For 6 holes, some close scores, with Logan the gross winner, and Kyle the Nett winner. In 9 holes, Amaya was the gross winner, and Oscar the N
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Coming off a defeat in round 10 last week, Peto’s Marine have bounced back in a big way with a trouncing of Crowned Mongrels in their first fixture of the year. Peto's Marine won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Simon Vickers getting to work immediately with 33 runs from 17 balls. First drop Josiah Ballin top scored agonisingly short of his half century with 48 from 53, while Daniel Olditch also contributed with 37 from 36. Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro shone with the ball for Crowned Mongrels, t
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Are you a local wanting to give back and assist in the medical needs and decisions of the Burdekin region? Then the Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN), hosted by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the group for you. Specifically designed for community members of provide assistance, advocacy and ensure that health services at met, CAN allows the Townsville Hospital and Health Service know the preferences and needs of the region. Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said community memb
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Hi readers It’s been about two weeks since Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed over north Queensland, but subsequent inland rain has the mighty Burdekin River flowing! Since my first crossing of the river last year, I’ve longed to see it bank-to-bank full of water, so I’m glad I’ve been able to witness this without any risk of flood – and let me reassure you, there are no flood warnings active for the Burdekin River at the time of writing. I’m a big fan of rivers (and bridges) so I enjoy the spe
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A long-term flying fox roost management plan will be developed for the region after a grant of $37,100 was secured by Burdekin Shire Council from the Queensland Government. The plan will help Council and the community to manage the impacts of flying foxes on public health, community safety and amenity, while also protecting the important ecological role of these native animals. Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan welcomed the funding and said it would enable Council to e
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As power was restored to the final home in the cyclone-hit zone six days on from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing, Ergon Energy once again shared their appreciation of the community’s support throughout the process. Posting on social media, Ergon Energy Network said it has been an incredibly tough time for tens of thousands of people, and their teams have been genuinely moved by the kindness of the community. “Thank you for the cold drinks, the ice blocks, the much-needed coffees and delish
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The Home Hill Comfort Stop is set to receive a makeover as part of Burdekin Shire Council's commitment to enhancing the amenity and attractiveness of the popular rest area. A total of $105,000 has been allocated to refresh the paved areas and replace the ageing picnic furniture and mosaic at the site. Council's Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said that the Home Hill Comfort Stop is a valuable asset for the community and visitors and is so popular with visitors to the shire that regular ref
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Burdekin Shire Council has conducted an aerial survey of feral deer populations from February 6-7 as part of its Feral Deer Control Program. Carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the survey established a baseline population of feral deer in the region, covering the areas of Woodstock, Giru and Rita Island. The information gathered will then assist to inform Council's management strategies and actions. Burdekin Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said the
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King Charles has sent a message to the people of Queensland, sharing his and his wife Queen Camilla’s concern and admiration following recent weather events. As well as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing over north Queensland, including the Burdekin, people across Queensland have faced Tropical Cyclone Jasper, southeast Queensland storms on Christmas night and Boxing Day and further rain in the state’s south. Governor-General David Hurley shared the message from the King on Monday as he and his w
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The Burdekin Industry Breakfast is back for 2024 and starting with a bang, welcoming two guest speakers to illuminate the morning event. The first speaker will be Rhian Aguirre, the Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance of Ark Energy Corporation. Established in 2021, Ark Energy has become a leader in Australian renewable energy company specialising in wind, solar, and hydrogen, and is dedicated to the decarbonisation of the energy supply of their parent company, Korea Zinc Co. Rhian wi
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This past week was spent down in Canberra, holding the Albanese Labor Government to account, fighting for the issues that matter to our communities, and ensuring your voice was heard loud and clear in our nation’s capital. Beginning this week was a solemn ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, paying my respects to the heroic servicemen and women who have laid down their lives for our nation. The Australian War Memorial is a constant reverent reminder of the importance of the decisions we mak
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National television audiences were given insight into the charm of the Burdekin last week as ABC aired an episode of ‘Back Roads’ that was filmed across the region in 2023. The host of the Australian observational documentary series, Heather Ewart, travelled to Home Hill in May last year to film an episode centred around the sugar cane industry and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival. “Sugar cane is king in this part of the world,” Heather said. “It’s the reason the town of Home Hill exists, a
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Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $195 DOB: 1/5/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: yes Other Cats: Yes, but prefers independence Indoors/outdoors: Indoors This beautiful lady is a cuddle machine, simple-natured and sure to be adored by her human. Tootsi loves being a little shadow, following her human around. She is quick to play and loves her toys. While she is happy to share her space, she also loves being an independent feline, and having full reign of the
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Three individuals have been arrested in relation to a series of break and enters in the Burdekin last week. Police allege on January 25, six businesses were targeted in a series of break and enters offences including an electrical store on Queen Street, a bottle shop in Drysdale Street, a service station on Eighth Ave, a steel fabrication company on Breen Street, a tyre shop on Bruce Highway, and a convenience store on Chippendale Street. Later that day, an 18-year-old man attended the Ayr Pol
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