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Targeting Success Burdekin Clay Target Club's Explosive Year-Ender Shoot

In a sizzling Sunday showdown, the Burdekin Clay Target Club wrapped up their final shoot for the year on December 10th, igniting hot competition under the sunny skies. The day wouldn't have been such a blast without the generous support from Peto Marine and Johnson’s Landscaping and Earthmoving, who sponsored the event. A special round of applause goes to Prawn Farm, Cignall Burdekin, Cameron Cislowski, Regan Southward, Lui Populin, and other contributors for their generous donations throughout

Christmas Cheer Takes Over The Burdekin

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols. With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer. Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.

Sit Down With Sam

Hi Readers. As promised, I’m back from Brisbane with stories of an epic weekend of live music seeing The War On Drugs and just one regret: I neglected to buy a t-shirt. I hope those who attended Sunday’s Christmas Carols had an excellent afternoon – from all reports and photos, it looked like a terrific and festive time and proves that Christmas spirit is well and truly in the Ayr.

Rotary Gets Charitable This Christmas

Rotary Club of Ayr says no to Domestic Violence and has raised funds towards the Burdekin DV Support at Burdekin Community Association (BCA). Club champions Narelle Hibberd and Shane Moon have guided the club over the years with different activities raising funds towards projects with one of these being home starter kits for families in crisis.

Special School’s Trampoline Dreams Close To A Reality

Jumping on a trampoline is a sensation that all children should experience, and one that some may take for granted, and the Burdekin Special School (BSS) P&C has been fundraising to ensure its students don’t miss out.

Burdekin Chamber Reflects On a Big 2023

The Burdekin Chamber, formerly known as Ayr Chamber of Commerce, wrapped up a big 2023 with a Christmas breakup hosted by Blinds 2 U in Home Hill.Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said reflecting on 2023 fills him with pride and optimism.

Volunteer With Christmas Cheer!

The recent threat of a tropical cyclone has prompted our local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, to remind everyone that volunteering for the community is very important.Mr Last said that the Christmas spirit and the motivation behind volunteering were more similar than what many may think.“What greater gift can you give than to volunteer your time to keep your community safe,” he asked.

Ayr Workshop One Of Many Successes

More than 150 primary health care service contracts have been delivered across north Queensland, valued at more than $63.7 million, as outlined in the recent Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) 2022-23 Annual Report.Other significant milestones have been highlighted, including more than 4,000 engagements with primary health providers and notable advancements in mental health services.

Sand Dunes Protected At Wunjunga

Over 900 native seedlings have been planted along the sand dunes of Wunjunga in order to stabilise the dunes and protect access roads from storm surges and future extreme weather events. The Community Planting Day included the planting of beach bean, goat’s foot and brown cudgerie, and were selected due to their ability to withstand hard coastal conditions.

16 Days Of Activism Continues

The Burdekin Mothers Union group held a service at All Saints Anglican Church as part of the 16 Days of Activism for gender-based violence. The service was attended by parishioners, members of the Burdekin Community Association, the Ayr police service and our local Zonta group. Rebecca Grogan, Housing And Community Support Service Manager from BCA, was the guest speaker and gave us some interesting information about domestic violence in our community.

WEAPONS LICENCES

Burdekin’s Tourism Volunteers

Burdekin Tourism Volunteers were joined by Burdekin Shire Council to celebrate their Christmas party on Saturday, December 2. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin congratulated the volunteers on a terrific year.“They have done an amazing job of promoting our region to over 13,000 visitors who came to the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill this year,” she said.

Cr Column: Councillor Max Musumeci

The 2023 crushing season has wrapped up! It's definitely something I'm grateful for this holiday season. Having completed the 2022 crushing this year also, I believe I'm not alone in eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break. As the kids enjoy their time off from school and various industries wind down for the annual Christmas shutdown, many of us are gearing up to unwind and savour moments with our loved ones.

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Were you aware that the Burdekin Shire Council boasts a Parks and Gardens team whose responsibilities extend far beyond mowing grass? This small dedicated team takes great pride in maintaining over 41 hectares of parks, playgrounds, streetscapes and greenspaces across the Burdekin Shire enhancing the beauty and serenity of the region. A combination of seven 5 Star and 1 Four Star destination parks offer residents a range of engaging playgrounds, skate ramps, half courts and barbeques for familie

Crafting Lasting Legacies And Celebrating Cherished Memories

When Rose Papadimitriou was first employed by Campbell’s Jewellery in 1983, she embarked on a lifelong career with the business, developing its reputation for quality, experience and helping the people of the Burdekin celebrate their special memories. Campbell’s Jewellery was established in 1974, with Rose purchasing the business in 2013. 10 years on, she reflects on many wonderful highlights, from half price sales to VIP nights and Jewellery Roadshows. Rose says one thing hasn’t changed over t

Building A Better Burdekin

For over five decades, Liessmann & Sons has established itself as a stalwart of the Home Hill community, the distinctive yellow and green building a symbol of a business built on trust and dedication. Founded 53 years ago by the Liessmann family, the business has become a cornerstone of reliability and quality service in the Burdekin area.

Crafting A Legacy With Every Stroke Of The Brush

In the world of small business, there exist those rooted in heritage and built upon dedication; such is the case with Milburn Painting and Maintenance Services. Founded by Cheyne Milburn, the business carries a legacy from his father’s enterprise, Merv Milburn Painting, and has been flourishing since 2019 under Cheyne’s adept guidance. Cheyne operates with an unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in the diverse services offered including plastering, sanding, painting walls, ceilings, rail

The Perfect Pour

Five years ago, two local brothers joined forces and combined their respective 25 years’ experience in the industry to become one of the Burdekin’s most trusted, professional, and skilled concreters. Matt and Luke Fallon operate Fallon Constructions and also Fallon Constructions NQ, servicing areas from Ingham to Bowen and everywhere in between.

Brandon State School Farewells Year 6 Class

Over 70 guests joined Brandon State School on Friday, December 1 to celebrate the graduation of the Year 6 students for 2023.Laughter, tears and memories were shared with families, students, staff and P&C.“We farewelled our magnificent seven students, whom have achieved in all areas of schooling whilst at Brandon SS,” said Brandon State School Principal Rowan Coffey.“We wish them the greatest of futures.”

Community Day At Millaroo State School

Millaroo State School held a Community Day last Wednesday, December 6 to celebrate the end of the school year with students, special guests and parents.“We invite everyone from the community, from Millaroo, Dalbeg and Clare, into our school to play games, have fun with the students and have a look at how good our school is,” said Principal Annette Wellington.

A Sign Of The Good Times

Departing year 6 student Chace Pyott has continued a long tradition of Year 6 Projects by painting a mural on the back of the cubbyhouse at Millaroo State School.“Every year, the year 6 students will leave something behind, and this is Chace’s tribute to the school for this year,” said Millaroo State School Principal Annette Wellington.

Presentation Day At Jarvisfield State School

Jarvisfield State School's presentation day took place on Monday, December 4, incorporating the year 6 graduation, end of year awards and Christmas Concert. Alfredo Vasta graduated from year 6 after starting prep at the school in 2017, the same year as the current school principal, Lisa Bello. “Alfredo is a kind, caring and well liked student,” said Ms Bello. “No matter where he goes, someone always has something nice to say about. “Even though he will be the only year 6 child going into high

Gross Value Of Agricultural Production To Fall In 2023–24

The value of Australian agriculture production is forecast to fall as increasing global supply and drier conditions impact farmers.Acting Executive Director of Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) David Galeano said the forecast for total agricultural production values in 2023–24 is $78 billion.

Secured Vaccines Strengthen Australia's Defence Against Lumpy Skin Disease Threat

300,000 doses of a vaccine against the serious cattle virus that causes lumpy skin disease (LSD) have been secured in an agreement that will help Australia prepare for potential future outbreaks. LSD, which also affects buffalo, has been reported in Indonesia but Australia remains free of this devastating disease. However, if the disease got a foothold here, quick access to and effective rollout of these vaccines will help keep Australian cattle and buffalo safe. For now, the doses of the vaccin

Water Minister Meets With Burdekin Growers

Farmers and growers of the Burdekin received a visit from Water Minister Glenn Butcher last week, with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables’ (QCAR) water committee securing time with the visiting Minister. Mr Butcher, the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, met with the QCAR Burdekin Irrigators last Wednesday, December 6 to discuss the issue of rising groundwater as well as issues surrounding the supply and pricing of water in the region. “It was a rea