Discover Mackay’s Magic Mackay’s popularity as a tourist destination is growing rapidly, attracting travellers from all around the world. Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Mackay offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. Make sure these activities are on your list for a day in Mackay. Explore The Islands Explore the hidden wonders that lay above and below the island waters off the coast of Mackay with Wildcat. Snorkel, paddleboard, swim in crystal c
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With the threat of cyclone imminent, here are our top tips for farmers to cyclone proof your crops and agricultural business. Plan: As the saying goes, Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail. Have a detailed lock-down plan, with all staff having specific instructions on their individual tasks. Having each individual on a specific task allows each person to not be overwhelmed in an emergency. Clear: It is best to clear trees and shrubs away from buildings and sheds, as well as ensure that power l
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More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs. In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs. They are among Queensland's most widespread and damaging pest animals. Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases. Round 8(a) of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) is now open, with $2.16 million available to build local capacity for bi
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One million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines have now been provided to Indonesia by the Federal Government, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024. The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late last month. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority. “LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our ne
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Building on his 30 plus years of experience in drilling, bores and pumps, Brian Connolly and his wife Michelle have become stalwarts in the Burdekin, their business B&M Drilling offering top-notch services in water bore drilling, pump installation, equipment hire, and more for the past 19 years. B&M Drilling's journey has been marked by continued partnerships with key entities like Burdekin Shire Council, Ergon Energy, and local Wilmar sugar mills. However, the heart of their success lies in Br
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Burdekin Catholic High School, celebrating 50 years this year as a Catholic co-educational secondary school in the Burdekin District, is delighted to welcome their new Principal, Mrs Lorraine Wolffe. Lorraine joins the school with more than 38 years’ experience in education, including, 30 years in Senior Leadership positions. Mrs Wolffe said “I am looking forward to a community that has a strong culture that values learning and places student wellbeing, care and growth at the heart of its vis
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As the temperatures continue to rise and, it becomes more imperative than ever for industries and trade sectors to adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses and their staff to thrive in the warmer months. 1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life bala
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A magical story of finding true love, Hans Christian Andersen’s classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has been transformed into a beautiful musical the Burdekin can enjoy under the talents of The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company and community members this February. The tale begins in a magical deep-sea kingdom where a young mermaid, Ariel, dreams of leaving her ocean home to live in the world above. With the help of her comedic companions, Flounder, Scuttle, and of course Seb
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Due to an increase in demand, local hydraulics business Muzdraulics has added a second fully equipped hose truck to its fleet, increasing capabilities and decreasing customer down time. The new truck, which is in the field already and operated by third-year apprentice Harry, promises reliable service and shows the business’s dedication to getting its loyal customer’s machinery up and running and back in the paddock as soon as possible. “Previously, if we encountered a few customers who were brok
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When Karl Vass started his boilermaker apprenticeship in a Home Hill workshop on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Eighth Street, he didn’t realise he would go on to establish his own business in that exact same workshop years later. Karl grew up in a farming family and started his apprenticeship at age 16, so agricultural engineering was almost destiny. After relocating to the Gold Coast for 10 years, he moved back to the Burdekin in 2012 and was doing contracting work in the mining industry when
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The celebrated Burdekin Brass Band’s Learner Classes will resume for its seventh year on the evening of Tuesday February 13 in Home Hill’s Burdekin Brass Band Hall on 10th Avenue. Burdekin Brass Band President, Larry Hudson, and accredited music instructor, Ms Donna Wall encourage the community to take advantage of this amazing and unique opportunity to explore your interests and acquire new skills. “When people learn music, they use this skill for the rest of their life,” explained Larry.
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Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the Burdekin Theatre this February. Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others. From their debut album in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions. No other band has created such an impact in such a short time. There's something
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The first turtle nest of the season has hatched on Magnetic Island, with 45 baby Flatback sea turtles scrambling to the ocean earlier in January. Magnetic Island Network for Turtles confirmed the first flatback sea turtle nest hatched on the beach of Nelly Bay and was a good outcome, with the nest found in a cooler shaded spot. The Network reported an almost 100% hatchling success rate with volunteers using artificial light to lead the hatchlings safely to the water.
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Relive the action from Verve Dance Festival which brought competitors from across the Burdekin, north, central and west Queensland to the Burdekin Theatre for five days of dancing and excellent community spirit. For full results, visit Verve Dance Festival on Facebook.
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Jarvisfield State School Welcomes Prep Students
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Burdekin BMX Club recently held its break up, awarding outstanding performance and appreciating participants on volunteers throughout 2023. 2023 was a fabulous year revamping our track with a bitumen berm and a successful glueing prosses giving us more track time and less repairs. Our November carnival was a huge success with 200 riders competing over 2 days and all looking forward to our 2024 November carnival. Our club committee brought in our new club constitution. Whole families have enjoyed
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Thursday, January 11 saw 18 players arrive ready for an afternoon of bowls. Game 1: Tony, Des and Trevor 20 drew with Judy, Bob and Clinton 20. Game 2: Paul, Dino and Henry 19 were too strong for Jim, Joe and Mick 9. Game 3: Margaret, Lloyd and Hugh 20 defeated Conner, John and Gary 12. 16 players turned up to play barefoot bowls on Wednesday night, January 17. Winning the night was Meryl and Sam. Thursday afternoon bowls on January 18 had 19 players turn up to do battle on Rummeny Green.
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Wednesday 17/1/24 1st Prize to Jim Murray, Tony Battaglia and Ray Wall defeated Mick Murison, Arthur Gauvin and Ron Soper. 2nd Prize to George Nixon and Chris Berkery defeated Margaret Chapman and Col Essex. Saturday 20/1/24 (Bob Murison Memorial Day) was a special day put on by the Murison Family and was very well supported with a full green of bowlers. 1st prize to Bob Pickard/Mick Olsen (shared game), Peter Lejarraga and Lew Stidston defeated Katharina Stuckler, Barry Hewson and Ron Soper. 2
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Home Hill Tennis is set to host its Annual Open Day set to coincide with the success of this year’s Australian Open this coming Monday January 29. This year there was much for Burdekinites to cheer about with local tennis star Adam Walton making his Australian Open debut. Playing in singles, doubles and mixed Adam played well and gained a lot of valuable experience. His family were there to cheer him on and couldn’t have been prouder. Many locals followed his matches on Nine Now. At the Open se
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Neville’s Nomads traveled to Charters Towers last Friday to play in their 26th Goldfield Ashes. In very hot and steamy conditions the Nomads won all three of their games. Charters Towers was extremely hot and by Monday after a lot of rain was almost pleasant. On Friday morning the Nomads played Mt Garnet Eagles out at the airport with the Eagles batting first and making 151 after being 2/88. In reply the Nomads scored 202 with Chris Mann retiring on 50 and the Hot Stubby Award for the lowest to
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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Beach Golf Day is gearing up to be a cracker of an event. Being held on Saturday February 10, with tee-off from 1pm, teams of four will enjoy a fun filled day out with their clubs. Teams are invited to come in their best team themed outfits, to help add to the energetic atmosphere of the day. Unfortunately, the Club's Australia Day Celebrations have been cancelled, however this has allowed their Top 100 Club event to be aligned with Golf Day. The special ev
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday January 14 with 39 competitors. It was cloudy throughout the day with a consistent breeze which made it very comfortable for this time of the year. Burdekin Clay Target Club would like to thank our sponsor for event 3 Nicolaides Contracting. Also thank you to Lui Populin for donating the meat tray which was raffled off and won by Alan Lord. The next shoot is our 100 Target Double Barrel on Sunday February 11. Results Event 1
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Over the last weekend of school holidays, 33 nippers from the North Barrier Branch descended on the Ayr Surf Club to take part in the annual Camp Alva. This camp is designed for Under 12 and 13 members to work on leadership and team building skills and experience different aspects of the Lifesaving movement that they can progress into over the coming years.
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With hundreds of people expected to gather in Home Hill’s Memorial Park to commemorate Anzac Day in April, members of the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch have shared their concerns that a colony of flying foxes roosting at the park may cause a safety risk to attendees. Sub Branch President Richard Kelly and Secretary Allan Petersen recently approached Burdekin Shire Council with their concerns, and while Council confirmed plans to relocate the flying foxes over the next couple of months, Mr Petersen f
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Hi readers, You might have noticed our North Queensland Summer Holiday Series in the last few editions of Burdekin Life. These have been a pleasure to research and write as I’m still relatively new to North Queensland and am always looking for new adventures and new places to explore. A large motivation behind my decision to move from Brisbane to Mackay almost two years ago was to explore a part of the country I’d seldom had the opportunity to explore before. Places like Cape Hillsborough, Eunge
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