Families are invited to lace up and put on their walking shoes to join in a morning of fun, entertainment, and community spirit at this year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability event. The walk will take place along Townsville's scenic Riverway on Sunday, the 12th of October, from 8am to 12pm, with all funds raised staying in the local region. Money raised will go directly toward providing support, services, and vital information to empower people with Down syndrome and their f
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Guys, it finally happened—I officially laced up the boots again for the first time in what seemed like an eternity when I made my Night Soccer debut a few weeks ago. It almost felt like a foreign experience. Beyond my clear regression in skill, I genuinely thought I might pass out after the first minute of play, because as enjoyable and relaxing as my time out of the game has been, it's definitely left a huge void in my physical activity. But maybe this experience was the slap in the face I nee
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The next generation of Burdekin basketballers had the chance to learn from two of the nation’s finest last Wednesday when Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson and Opals star Tess Madgen visited the region to run a grassroots training camp as part of Basketball Australia’s She Hoops program. From 9am, around 40 young players were put through a series of drills and games over 90 minutes, sharpening their skills under the guidance of two of Australia’s greatest basketball exports. She Hoop
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Opinion Piece By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox Coal has powered Australia for generations, and it still does today. Coal is the central reason the lights turn on, the fridge stays cold, and the air con works. Coal remains the cheapest form of electricity in Australia, and without it, our country would be vastly different, in a poorer way. But it is not just the electricity it provides. Coal provides our country with economic security. It drives investment, and the revenue raised in t
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The commitments and achievements of local individuals and groups play a key role in offsetting concerns raised due to national and international events according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. While acknowledging that the effects of horrific events will ripple through our community, Mr Last said it is important to take a balanced approach and that there were many positives which, sometimes, didn’t receive the praise they deserved. “It is very easy for major events to directly impact the
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The Basque Club of North Queensland's Basques in Australia exhibition is underway in Ayr, with the official opening at the Masonic Hall on Sunday 28 September drawing a strong local crowd to honour the profound influence of Basque families on the Burdekin community. The exhibition, which had already been shown in Townsville and Ingham, drew around 80 people to its Ayr opening, many eager to connect with a heritage that has been part of the Burdekin for generations. Ten large panels of photograp
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Burdekin Shire Council has officially opened the upgraded Butler Road Floodway, delivering safer and more reliable access for local residents, farmers, and road users. The new floodway replaces the former structure, which was badly damaged during past flood events. Council says the design will improve water flow management, enhance road safety, and ensure essential access during periods of heavy rain. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the project was a significant investment in rural road infrastr
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Ayr police have charged several people over a series of incidents in the district this month, including business and home break-ins, drug driving, and an assault on an officer. A 23-year-old Ayr man has been charged with entering a Queen Street business, while a 16-year-old Ayr youth was cautioned over the same incident. The man was also charged in relation to two separate house break-ins, with the youth again cautioned. On September 21, a 31-year-old Ayr man was charged with assaulting a poli
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I would like to let everyone know about the great job Meals on Wheels do in our community. I attended the National Meals on Wheels morning Tea in late August. Without them in our community a lot of people would struggle to have wholesome and nourishing food on a daily basis. The quality and variety of the food is amazing. I had the opportunity to have a tour of the kitchen and witness the production line with the cooking, dishing out and packaging the food up for the distribution to the clients.
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Christmas will be here before we know it, and I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the enormous contribution of our volunteers. Until you find yourself needing support, it can be hard to truly appreciate how valuable these services are. Organisations such as the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Community Association, Meals on Wheels and SES Burdekin rely on volunteers every day. If you are looking for a way to give back to our community, I encourage you to get involved. I’d also lik
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Wilmar Grower Marketing’s annual Global Traders Roadshow has wrapped up for another year after a busy week of presentations, starting in Ingham and finishing in Sarina.The events brought together growers from across our milling regions to hear first-hand insights into the forces shaping the sugar market. Guest speaker Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, provided an in- depth look at the global market, with particular focus on the
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Alluvium Consulting has completed an avulsion risk assessment for the Queensland Government as part of the Burdekin Water Plan, shining a light on the natural processes that shape one of the largest deltas on Australia’s east coast. An avulsion occurs when a river suddenly changes course, carving a new channel and abandoning its former path. Though uncommon on human timescales, avulsions are a natural and inevitable part of how rivers evolve and they can have far-reaching consequences for commu
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James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink. Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species. JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece sai
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Dabelsteins Tackle 135km Trek for NICF In October, Kelli and Paul Dabelstein will jet off to Western Australia to take part in a mammoth 135km trek to raise invaluable funds and awareness for the Neonatal Intensive Care Foundation (NICF). Spearheaded by the Community Broker Network (CBN)’s Charity Challenge initiative, the six-day Cape to Cape trek will support the vital work of NICF volunteers to give hundreds of sick and premature babies a fighting chance. “We first heard about the trek thro
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Home Hill State High School’s Year 11 students kicked off their leadership journey in spectacular fashion at this year’s camp in the Whitsundays. From the very first day, students approached every challenge with enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong desire to grow as emerging leaders. The camp began with a reflective SWOT analysis, where students explored their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A key focus emerged on improving communication skills, which led to activities such a
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Part of the Ingham 2025 Maraka Festival, don’t forget to secure your tickets for the delightful Maraka Afternoon Tea at the Ingham RSL, proudly supported by Carey’s Group and Ray White Ingham. This special event will see our Queen and Princess Contestants presented. Tickets will be available for purchase outside Lou’s Emporium on October 7th and 8th, priced at just $35. (Cash only) With limited availability, it’s important to get in early to ensure you don’t miss out on this tasty gathering. J
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The Ingham 2025 Maraka Festival is set to make a splash with its exciting new addition, the Maraka Fun Family Run-Swim-Run and Individual Aquathon! Join us for a morning filled with fitness, fun, and community spirit on Saturday, October 18th, with the first event kicking off at 6:00am at the Hinchinbrook Aquatic Centre. Participants can choose between the Family Run-Swim-Run, suitable for ages 9 and up, or challenge themselves with the Individual Aquathon, which includes only the swim and run
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East Ayr State School’s (EASS) thriving Environment Club – fondly known as the Enviro Club – has once again proven that hard work and care reap delicious rewards, producing a bumper harvest just in time for the spring school holidays. Guided by the dedicated Mrs Halliday, students rolled up their sleeves to tend the garden each day, ensuring the school’s vegetable patch flourished with leafy greens, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and more. The fresh produce isn’t just admired – it’s enjoye
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Get ready to sing along and relive the magic of some of the world’s most iconic one-hit wonders as Wonder comes to the Burdekin Theatre. From the award-winning creators of Golden and Lovely Day, this brand-new musical experience promises to be a jovial celebration of timeless songs that have captured hearts across generations. At the centre of Wonder is the powerhouse collaboration between country music star Brooke Schubert, known for her appearances on The Voice Australia and the Lord Mayor’s
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The fight against cancer is personal for Raelene Grantz. After her own breast cancer diagnosis last year—and watching her twin sister Maree battle it almost 12 years prior—Raelene knows firsthand the toll the disease takes. Now cancer free, Raelene is ready to give back. On Sunday, October 19, Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall will play host to Burdekin Fights Back, a Gala Afternoon Tea aiming to raise funds for the North Queensland Cancer Council and the vital support services at Gluyas Lodge
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Sunday 5 October Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333. Plantation Park THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER Zonta Club Burdekin Inc – Movie Night Thursday 6pm for 7pm start Step back in time at Stardust Cinema for the Grand Finale of the Downton Abbey series.
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First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers and the wonderful Burdekin community for 59 years of unwavering support. We feel incredibly fortunate to have built our business in such a special place, surrounded by the best people. We also extend our sincere thanks to our customers and business partners in Townsville, who have supported our growth since 1995. Your loyalty and partnership have been vital to our journey. To our beloved and valued staff o
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After a long season Burdekin Panthers can look forward to a few months off, except for the Clash of Clubs and the Escriva Cup! The Clash of Clubs is on this weekend, and the Escriva Cup will be played early in November. In the Good News Department, three Panthers Players have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Congratulations to Ryan Scodellaro, Matthew Kolb and Josh Valle, a great achievement. The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October.
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Last week the Ayr Surf Club had several members attend the North Barrier Branch Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate awards camp on Magnetic Island. The week consisted of members from across the region working together whilst learning and training to gain their relevant awards to join the patrolling ranks of SLSQ. The club had 7 Under 14s gain their Surf Rescue Certificate to join the red and yellow family for the first time, as well as a current member gaining her Bronze Medallion and
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On Sunday, 21st September, the Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the inaugural Wilmar Cup, featuring teams from Ayr, Brandon, Home Hill, and Giru. Three games were played with three teams from each club competing in very warm conditions on a green that proved challenging for some. Home Hill Bowls Club provided a tremendous day, offering an abundance of food and refreshments for all. Brandon Bowls Club emerged victorious with three wins and a +74 score, followed by Home Hill with two wins (+26), Ayr
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