The Burdekin’s sugar mills have signed on sixteen new apprentices as 34 apprentices officially commence their trade training across the eight Wilmar Sugar and Renewables mills across Queensland. The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program in January, before they began their work at their representative sugar mills. Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills. “It’s ab
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Don West Toyota is pleased to announce the launch of KINTO Rent, to offer expanded mobility services to the Burdekin. KINTO provides customers with the flexibility to book and drive a Toyota vehicle from an hour to a year at attractive rates – all through the KINTO app. Since its launch in March 2021, Toyota vehicles booked through KINTO have been available at on-street locations in Melbourne as well as some Toyota Dealerships. Toyota intends that KINTO – a program of Toyota Finance Australia
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Delivering exceptional service with the utmost care and consideration is integral to Eyecare Plus Ayr. Having been a central service in the Burdekin for over 70 years, Eyecare Plus Ayr is synonymous with meticulous health care and a gentle approach. And now, with new ownership at the helm of the business as of 2018, Eyecare Plus Ayr continues to provide optometry services to the region. Shannon Davies is the current owner and Optometrist, who has lived locally for the past decade. Shannon has
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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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For almost 43 years, Pierina Dalle Cort of Helloworld Travel Ayr has been the friendly face behind your adventures, and after all those years, her favorite travel advice is to venture with an open mind. With travelling being one of many popular New Year’s Resolutions within the Burdekin community, Pierina and her team have been busily preparing locals for their next holiday. “Planning for Christmas and the New Year for 2024/2025 is a hit already as families are wanting a cooler, relaxing envir
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Entries have opened ahead of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod celebrating its 40th year in 2024. The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is a friendly but competitive eisteddfod attracting high quality competitors from all over North Queensland. With its friendly atmosphere amongst competitors, teachers and parents, the eisteddfod has become a popular venue on the eisteddfod calendar over the last 40 years. Held every year, the eisteddfod aims to help young people of North Queensland, particularly local
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As everyone pronounces their new year’s resolutions, one that can be commonly heard is, “In 2024, I want to read more.” With that in mind, the team at Burdekin Library have shared their favourite reads of 2023 to help get you started. The Black Witch by Laurie Forest “Engaging fantasy. I couldn’t put it down!” – Carli A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas “I finally decided to read A Court of Thorns and Roses, and it’s made a place in my top 5 fantasy books. It’s got everything a fantasy
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Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $185 DOB: 1.07.2020 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Over 10 years old Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction Other Cats: Yes Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors Are you looking for a quiet companion that will shower you with affection? Then Snowy is the cat for you! This tri-coloured beauty with spectacular golden eyes is looking for her forever home. While she is slow to warm up entirely to new people, once she is comfortable, she makes her affection known. Snowy
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Tropical Townsville Townsville is a vibrant city boasting a rich history, beautiful beaches and a plethora of exciting activities to keep locals and tourists entertained. Whether you're interested in exploring the outdoors, delving into history and culture or simply enjoying the city's nightlife, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Townsville: Visit The Strand The Strand is a picturesque beachfront promenade that offers stunning views of Magnetic Island and
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Photos supplied: Dallan Garvey Photo supplied: John Chandler Photo supplied: Tommy Ingram Photo supplied: Jason Taylor Photo supplied: Matt Maguire
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There were only 12 players who fronted on a very hot Thursday afternoon for the first game of 2024. Two games of triples were contested. The first game John, Joe and Mick were just too strong defeating Keith, Des and Gary 21 to 9. In game two, the combination of Judy, Jim and Paul, who are normally all lead bowlers, combined very well to defeat Ray, Bob and Henry 21 to 11. See you all on Thursday – names in by 1:00pm for 1:30 start. Good bowling. Contributed by Stephen Doig
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Is your daughter looking for a fun activity to get out of the house and have some fun? Then Burdekin’s first girls only Wet’n’Wild Cricket program is perfect! Hosted by Queensland Cricket, this is a great opportunity for girls, aged five to 12 years old, to get a fun taste of cricket in a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. Absolutely no experience required, just a fun loving attitude! The session also includes a barbeque and tonnes of fun! Be sure to bring along swimmers, a towel, and sunsc
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Representing Australia at the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, North Queensland javelin champion Nash Lowis clinched gold in the men’s javelin throw in November 2023. The grandson of Home Hill residents Bill and Trish Lowis, the 24-year-old emerged victorious with his final throw of 74.40 metres. Sitting on a distance of 64.28m after four rounds, Nash started to find his feet in the fifth round with a 69.45m effort to sit in third, before improving again on his last attempt to
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With the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament back on the calendar, thousands of tennis fans poured into Pat Rafter Arena with the hope of catching a match with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray or Naomi Osaka. The early rounds did not disappoint with many of the matches going deep into the third set. Despite the rain, there were many sell out sessions. In addition to the international event, Tennis Queensland also ran sessions for clubs, coaches and government agencies. The 2023 Queensland Champion
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Shim Jang Taekwondo has been running strongly in the Burdekin for nearly 15 years, hitting a milestone last year with it being the fifth year operating a second centre in Home Hill. At the end of training each year, students and instructors celebrate the year that was and award the students who performed exceptionally throughout the year. “All our students put in an amazing effort last year and we look forward to growing our art in the Burdekin this year,” said Branch Instructor Cliff Mann.
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Emily Donges, Blake and Luke Ferguson and Sarah Mitchell-Ferguson Indi MacDonald, Kristy, Tyler, Mazlyn smith and Jodie, Addison and Emily MacDonald Johan, Josephine and Tyresse Murry Kirra Womeksley and Lauren Bozetto Noah, Cassie, April and Darren Tanner Stephanie and William O’Reilly with Santa Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza
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New Year celebrations ran all throughout Cape Upstart with midnight’s fiery red flairs, along with painful sunburns, competitive matches of beach cricket, a touch of fishing, and perfect summer weather. The sky put on a magnificent show for the final sunset of 2023, as beach-goes watched the last of the light disappear over the ocean. With only a drizzle of rain in the early hours of the first day of 2024, the Cape served as the perfect place to celebrate the year that was, and welcome in all
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Hi readers and welcome to the first edition of Burdekin Life for 2024. I hope you all had a lovely break and are entering the year feeling refreshed. I had a terrific break, spending most of my time off with family, friends and pets on mum and dad’s farm in Millmerran. Since moving to north Queensland, I’ve seldom had the opportunity to spend longer periods of time relaxing at home, so I valued this time and was sad to leave. But, as of this week, I’m back in the Burdekin and excited for the yea
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As far north Queensland faced dual disasters towards the end of 2023, and unruly weather continued across the state, the region’s Ergon crews were quick to assist in the recovery. Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the electricity network and cut power to more than 50,000 customers across Far North Queensland, with crews from across the state ensuring the lights were back on for Christmas. Ergon’s acting Chief Operating Officer Jeff Green said it had been a marathon team effort
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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have shared their gratitude with the Burdekin community after another successful Giving Tree initiative in 2023. Throughout the month of December, both branches set up Giving Trees and accepted gift donations for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, as well as gift vouchers and food donations. On December 18, the gifts were collected, wrapped and given to the children who attend Burdekin Education Program who were so grateful for the gifts they we
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a story that started with an incident over 25 years ago for two very good reasons. As a Police Officer based in Charters Towers, Mr Last and his partner came across Raymond Abdy in an overturned car and, while the events have changed several lives forever, Mr Last hopes they may also help others. “That night is burnt into my memory,” Mr Last said. “It was late at night on May 15th 1998 when we were patrolling in Charters Towers and came around the
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As we enter 2024, Burdekin Life intern Chelsea Ravizza asked those in our community about their hopes and goals for the new year. Lisa Furnell Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Volunteer Live a healthier life and spend more time with the grandkids. John Furnell Councillor Internationally – Peace and Good Will, protection for the vulnerable. Personally – to personally improve holistically, so I may be better for my family, friends, and others. Local Community – to work for continual impr
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From a hammerhead shark made from a hammer and butter knives to a hand grenade made from trailer bearings and a BMX bike brake lever, Scott Apelt’s mind is full of weird, wonderful and unique creations. Scott’s been tinkering with scrap metal art for 35 years, utilising his natural understanding of steel to manipulate and create. While scrap metal art has always been important to him, it’s come to play an even more vital role in his wellbeing in recent years. Scott completed his boilermaker app
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Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza have been selected to attend the highly acclaimed Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane from Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January 2024. The pair have been prominent members of the Burdekin Brass Band for over nine years collectively and have been granted the opportunity to attend the QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp in previous years. Cecillia, Jye, and other local members attend two-hour band sessions every Tuesday eveni
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Tickets are now available for the region's 2024 Australia Day Awards Ceremony where the community will gather to reflect on the year that was and highlight those who make our region great. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and for their exceptional achievement in a variety of areas. Award categories range from sporting, cultural and environmental achievements to stand-out community events
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