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Soaring Summer Heats Urge For Summer Safety

With the summer heat gearing up and the desire to stay cool heightens, residents and visitors are urged to remain safe. During the frequent heat waves sweeping the region, community members must remain cautious and vigilant of the effects of the soaring temperatures. Dr Natalie Ly of the Townsville University Hospital said that, “Even though you get used to the heat living in North Queensland it is important to not be complacent about the serious impact severe heat can have on our health. “Dur

Home Hill Chamber Of Commerce Look Forward To Growth In 2024

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its final social and networking event of 2023 on Wednesday, December 20, inviting guest speaker Lisa Furnell to speak about the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club. Ms Furnell spoke about the history of the club, the unique characteristics of the club and its base of Alva Beach and the opportunities and challenges the club faces in the future. Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson then announced Jim and Meg Johnson as the winners of the Home Hill Resid

Burdekin Community Association SecondBite Community Connect Program

Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) partners with Coles in Ayr to deliver the SecondBite Community Connect Program. SecondBite began in 2005 with one couple – Ian and Simone Carson. Gathering a committed group of friends, they would visit market stalls in Melbourne at the end of a day, collect surplus food, and drop it to a local charity that ran a food program. In 2011, Coles and SecondBite formed a national partnership, which led to a rapid expansion of our organisation’s operational sca

Starting 2024 The Social Way With Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Are you thinking of making a New Year's resolution to improve your overall well-being? Why not make being more sociable your goal? Numerous studies have shown that social connections and a sense of community can have a positive impact on mental health, physical health, and even life expectancy. And the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre at 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr is a great place to start! The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre operates with a community development focus. What does that mean? It invol

Cr Column Councillor Kaylee Boccalatte

Happy 2024! After a busy lead-up to the Christmas and New Year break, I hope you all had an opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy some downtime over the holiday period. A new year brings with it a promise of fresh beginnings and renewed hope. Whether it’s personal aspirations or shared community goals, this is a time to set our goals and support each other on the path to success. As this will be my last column for this term of Council, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that a community organisation can apply for funding under Burdekin Shire Council’s Environmental Levy? The Environmental Levy is dedicated to supporting projects that not only enhance the environment but also contribute to the well-being of the local community. The Environmental Levy welcomes applications that will contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment. Whether it's restocking fish, managing invasive weeds, safeguarding the coastal ecosystem, or

QCAR's Sweet Success Navigating Challenges, Championing Sustainability And Pioneering Change

A rebrand, an evolving team and the continual support of Queensland’s sugar cane growers exemplifies a successful year for Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), with the launch of the QCAR brand signifying broader strategic vision and expanded focus for the organisation. While reflecting on a positive 2023, the QCAR team are quick to look forward, with a variety of industry issues at the forefront of its mission to advocate for members and industry. Always aligning with evolving indus

Australia’s Oldest Sugar Mill Turns 150

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has launched a virtual tour of Macknade Mill to mark its 150th birthday. Macknade Mill in the Herbert region notched up 150 years of operation in August, making it the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia. Manager Operations Trevor Forde said the virtual tour was developed to commemorate the major milestone and create a public record of the site in its 150th year. “This virtual tour enables anyone, anywhere, to visit Australia’s oldest sugar fac

A North Queensland Summer Holiday Unveiling The Paradise Of The Whitsundays

Tucked away in the pristine paradise of the Whitsundays, a treasure trove of experiences awaits to be explored. From hidden waterholes to historical remnants and secluded beaches, the Whitsundays offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to every traveller’s desires. Continuing our north Queensland summer holiday, read on to discover the best of the Whitsundays. Cedar Creek Falls: Nature's Serene Haven Nestled within the lush embrace of Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls stands as a

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Inside The Life Of A Modern Music Entrepreneur

From his home studio in Jarvisfield, where guitars adorn the walls, Mick Thompson writes, records, and rehearses his music. Mick is a musician moving with the times, utilising the technology and resources available to turn his lifelong passion for guitars into a sustainable career, although he says the learning curve is a steep one. Mick's love affair with guitars started early; his first musical purchase was a copy of ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by The Beatles at age five. It wasn’

Rescue Pet of the Week Meet Muffin Gem

Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $300 DOB: 1/07/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Over 12 Dog Friendly: No Other Cats: No Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors This gorgeous young lady is looking for a caring, loving home where she can be given the freedom to spread her wings and explore while she becomes comfortable. While she won’t be cuddly straight away, she will quickly warm up and become her human’s little shadow, following and always prepared to pamper with her love. Muffin Gem

Netball Opportunity Youth Development Squad

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around. Run and organised by North Queensland’s Netball Academy, netballers of Ayr and Home Hill are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching. There are two distinct squads: the 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with speciality coaching and resources for t

Local Lifeguards Complete Accreditation

Nine Burdekin locals attended a Pool Lifeguard course and update on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11. The course was facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) instructor Lee Smith. “With great pleasure I was invited to conduct a lifeguard course at your pool in Ayr,” Lee said. “RLSSQ cares about water safety and so do I. “We had a wonderful two days discussing the pros and cons of oxygen therapy, spinal boards, CPR, and a multitude of water related scenarios. “The o

Blokes, Boats, and Bountiful Christmas Catches

Some made it to the Christmas table while others were released to fight another day. Photos supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats Ben Hovell and Ethan Bell were happy with landing a 58cm Red Throat, a PB for Ben. Jodie Dingwall’s sons brought home a nice dinner fishing with their dad Paul Quagliata shared a couple of nice fish caught at Groper Creek Queensland Grouper caught by John Chandler Stephen Gort caught this Mangrove Jack in a cast net while chasing bait

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s Christmas Raffle

On Christmas Eve, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club announced the winners for their Christmas Raffle for 2023. Anne Pheland won the first prize which was accepted by her granddaughter, Ashlyn Pearce, and second prize was awarded to Viv Haller. Ayr Surf Lifesaving members were stationed outside Woolworths all December long selling raffle tickets to go into the draw to win one of two amazing prizes comprised of generous donations from local businesses. The Club thanks the whole community for their

Millie Takes On State Championships

Local swimmer Millie Lyne, along with her coaches from the Burdekin Torpedoes, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland State Swimming Championships which took place at Chandler from December 9-15. Millie represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team along with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach. It was a great learning experience for her, and her coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie put in a huge effort in traini

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Editors note

Hello, readers, and welcome to the last edition of Burdekin Life for 2023. What a year it’s been! I always enjoy reflecting on the year that was when it comes to December and this year, like the last couple of years, has been one of massive change for me. From memory, my new year’s resolution at the end of 2022 was to establish a solid social circle around me in my then home of Mackay. I certainly achieved that and found myself surrounded by lots of lovely people. Having moved to the Burdekin,

Wilmar Sweetens The Holidays For Hospital Staff

In the spirit of giving this festive season, a heart-warming tradition continues as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables' dedicated team spread joy at Ayr and Home Hill Health Services. A small and thoughtful team of Wilmar employees delivered cupcakes to Home Hill on Thursday, December 14 and Ayr on Tuesday, December 19, brightening the day of the hardworking hospital staff. This act of kindness isn't new for Wilmar, as it marks six years of their pre-Christmas goodwill gesture. Originally starting wi

Hospital Board Impressed With Burdekin Health Services

Future improvements for the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services were put under spotlight last week as members of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board met with locals on Thursday, December 14. Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney and fellow Board member Debra Burden visited Ayr Health Service where they liaised with staff and community to get an understanding of the local issues and assist in future planning. “I’ve had overwhelming feedback from the community, from consumers,

Burdekin’s Christmas Spirit Comes To The Fore

The Burdekin community has a reputation for supporting people in need and that reputation has been reinforced by the results of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last’s, Christmas Appeal. Now in its 8th year, this year’s appeal saw generous locals and groups donate an impressive haul of toys, food and clothing in what Mr Last described as the best result to date. “It may seem ironic that, as more and more people are affected by increases in the cost of living, we see such generosity,” Mr Last said. “T

Your Old Phone Could Save A Life

In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency. However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion. Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year From Andrew Willcox Opinion Piece

Christmas is fast approaching and the new year following closely behind, it seems like 2023 has gone by in flash. With the holiday season soon to be in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we should be reminded that it’s not the number of presents under the Christmas tree that counts, but the time spent, and the love shared with family and friends that makes this time of year so specia

45 Years Of Dance Reflected Upon Fondly

At 15 years of age, Karen Healy started a dance school, ultimately inspiring thousands of local students across the Burdekin. The dance school, KHDancers, finished up in June this year and, 45 years later, Karen looks back on the experience with a strong sense of love and appreciation. Karen started dancing at age four in Home Hill with dance teacher Anne Fraser. She danced under a number of teachers over the years and when she was 15 her then teacher left town so, as one of the senior students