Another difficult weekend for the Panthers, with just one win from five matches. On Saturday at home against MA Olympic, both the Premiers and Reserves lost 0–2. On Friday in Townsville, the Ladies beat Rebels 5–1, while the Division 1 Men were hammered 1–12 by Rebels and the Division 2 Men went down 1–4 to Wulguru. This Saturday is a Big Day. The Premiers and Reserves are at home to Rebels — Reserves kick off at 5.00pm, with the Premiers under lights at 7.00pm. The Mooney Cup will also be play
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The Burdekin Touch Association wrapped up another thrilling season a couple of weeks ago with the men’s and ladies’ open grand finals, showcasing fast-paced competition, athleticism, and community spirit. A large crowd of enthusiastic spectators gathered to witness a display of attacking flair, tactical gameplay and gritty defence across all grades. Seven men’s and two women’s grand finals were contested, providing a high-energy spectacle that capped off the season.
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Another week, another milestone—my first Core Life deadline. Core Life, if you're not aware, is a bi-monthly business and lifestyle magazine, also published by Life Publishing Group—the same team behind this very newspaper. For almost 15 years, it’s been fondly known as the local business networking and lifestyle publication. One of my favourite parts of writing for the magazine—and, frankly, in general—is having the chance to spotlight the truly remarkable achievements of locally based indivi
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As chilly mornings return to Home Hill, 92-year-old Hilda Frew is doing more than just staying warm — she’s giving back. Each winter, Hilda sets up a humble table in the heart of town, offering her handmade “Cosy Bed Socks” to passers-by for just $5 a pair. But it’s not about the money — every cent goes directly to support School Chaplaincy Programs at local high schools. Knitted while she enjoys her favourite TV shows, Hilda’s colourful socks are as warm in spirit as they are in wool. So far
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Local Lions & Broader Community Help Raise $50,000 For New Car
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Queenslanders needing elective surgery are set to benefit from a major funding boost in the 2025‑26 State Budget after the Government announced its allocation of $1.8 billion set to roll out over the next four years. The centrepiece is $1.27 billion for the Surgery Connect program, projected to deliver 30,000 additional procedures in 2025‑26 alone, including hip and knee replacements and cataract operations. The program has already shown results: in April the statewide wait‑list fell by 2,750 p
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On the evening of Friday, the 4th of July, over 230 excited guests filled Queen Street’s Populin’s Hall to celebrate the official commencement of the wonderful 2025 Burdekin Water Festival. The Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch event saw the iconic venue transform into a word-class hub of international delights and wonders, flying guests across oceans to destinations like Italy, Japan, and beyond! Pristine white, fluffy clouds were hung from the ceiling, as were globes and vibrantly colo
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Beyond excited to dive headfirst into the event’s exciting Ambassador Program, Asha Grasso will proudly represent East Ayr State School (EASS) as a Junior Ambassador in the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival. “The aspect of the Burdekin Water Festival that excited me the most is getting to meet new people and hopefully gain some new skills and confidence,” explained Asha. “I’m looking forward to being up on a float as my family have attended lots of Burdekin Water Festivals since I was little and I
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Representing Burdekin Christian College Giulia Sarri has felt nothing but gratitude and pride since she was selected to represent her school, Burdekin Christian College (BCC), as a Junior Ambassador in the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival. A senior within BCC’s primary school, Giulia serves as a role model to younger students, leading prep duties on occasion. When she’s not serving her school community, she’s connecting with those who she loves the most. “Family is very important to me,” shared Gi
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The Burdekin region homes a plethora of beautiful old buildings which inspired the work of photographer, Lido Paganoni, who used his talents to capture many nostalgic photographs that have been recently digitalised by the Queensland State Library. Lido, born in Ingham in 1934 to Italian migrant parents, spent his childhood in both Ingham and Ayr. He later earned a PhD in industrial chemistry from Brisbane. With a diverse range of interests, Lido was passionate about velodrome and road racing, a
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Flu and COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb across Queensland, with health authorities urging residents to practise good hygiene and get vaccinated to help curb the spread of respiratory illnesses. In the last week of June alone, over 2,800 flu cases were recorded — the highest weekly number this year. Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said hospital admissions remain high, with nearly 300 beds occupied daily by flu and COVID-19 patients. “Around half of all flu hospitalisati
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We are excited to announce BCA’s new ‘’Active and Social Seniors Group’’ that commenced on the 1st of July 2025. Eligible Seniors can participate in Individual Rehabilitation and Group Exercise sessions, delivered by our team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Exercise Scientists and Fitness Instructors, in our fully equipped and friendly Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre at 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr. The Group is partially funded by the Older People’s Action Program (OPAP) and a f
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Loved Ones Remember Missing Senior Sergeant Mick Isles Two weeks ago, Senior Sergeant Michael “Mick” Isles would have celebrated his 74th birthday. Instead of gathering to celebrate the life of a beloved husband, father, and community leader, those who knew and loved him were left with memories and questions that still linger 16 years after his mysterious disappearance. On Wednesday, the 26th of June, family and friends quietly marked what should have been a joyful occasion — Mick’s 74th birth
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By Jacob Casha Ren Pedersen never planned to be involved in medicine. He never went to medical school. He never paid too much attention in science class. But when he tragically lost his nine-year-old daughter Amy to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in 2009, he dove head-first into the medical world—not as a doctor, but as a father with a promise to keep. "I promised my daughter that I would cure this,” says Ren. “I just happened to pick the toughest fight in all of medicine.” DIPG—al
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Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe! What a fitting theme to launch this year’s Burdekin Water Festival. It was heartening to see such an enthusiastic group of Junior and Senior Ambassadors putting themselves forward and embracing the spirit of the Festival. Their dedication along with the incredible support from their families and organisers sets the scene for another vibrant and memorable celebration for our community. Congratulations to the Water Festival Committee for their efforts in kicking off th
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The Burdekin Water Festival was officially launched on Friday 4 July, with wonderful support from both Junior and Senior Ambassadors. It was fantastic to see their families proudly cheering them on and showing their support. Congratulations to the Committee for their outstanding efforts in delivering such a well-organised and successful event. Half yearly rates notices will be issued in August 2025. Please make sure your postal address is up to date. You can visit www.burdekin.qld.gov.au to comp
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Queensland’s frontline disaster network reached an important milestone this week, celebrating the first anniversary of the State Emergency Service (SES) and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) operating under the banner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS). The SES formally transferred to QPS on the 3rd of June, with MRQ launched one month later. The realignment created the state’s first integrated marine rescue model and strengthened existing partnerships across emergency agencies. Acting Police
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Brazil remains front and centre in global sugar market movements. The latest UNICA report for the first half of June shows sugar production continuing to outpace ethanol. While sugar output dipped slightly in the fortnight, it still accounted for 51.5% of cane crushed, nudging the year-to-date figure to 50.5%—up from 48.3% in the previous season. However, cane quality remains a concern. The ATR is hovering below 12%, prompting analysts to downgrade f
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The Queensland Government has announced a significant shift in fire ant eradication efforts, confirming that treatments will now be carried out year-round — including through the cooler months — to better protect the state’s biosecurity and agriculture sectors. For the first time, eradication treatments are being conducted during winter, following promising scientific trials by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. The research confirmed that fire ants continue to forage and consume bait e
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For the fourth year running, local Service Technician Karl Moschella from Honeycombes Sales and Service in Ayr has been named as Regional Finalist in the prestigious John Deere Technician Awards. As one of 5 nationally recognised finalists in the Agricultural Service Technician of the Year category, Karl’s 23 years of dedication has made his name synonymous with John Deere expertise in the North Queensland region. Karl’s path to becoming one of Australia’s top agricultural John Deere technician
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By CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens It’s early days for the new Queensland Government, but I’ll say this — the first six months have brought some practical decisions that are making a real difference for cane growers. The recent State Budget struck a few important notes for agriculture. We’re not expecting miracles, but it’s encouraging to see a stronger focus on things that matter — especially biosecurity and rural resilience. With more movement of people and goods across borders, the threat
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Local fishers across the Dawson region are expressing growing concerns over the future of both commercial and recreational fishing, citing a range of challenges including regulatory changes and economic pressures. Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox and Federal Shadow Minister for Fisheries Senator Ross Cadell this week called a meeting with local fishers at Mackay Reef Fish Supplies. It's part of a 2-day Regional Qu
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It was 1988 when Stephen Scuderi took a solo leap into the world of panel beating—a move built on the foundations laid by his parents, Sam and Tina Scuderi, who, despite coming from a farming background, encouraged their sons to pursue trades and instilled in them the drive to build something of their own.
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Personalised Learning Just 10 Minutes from Home Hill Families seeking a supportive, high-quality education close to home are encouraged to consider Osborne State School — a small rural school delivering big results just ten minutes from the centre of Home Hill. Set among the cane fields of the Burdekin, Osborne State School offers a nurturing and personalised learning environment where every student is known by name, supported in their individual growth, and encouraged to thrive. With a stron
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After the slower pace of school holidays, getting your child motivated for the second half of the school year can be a challenge. But with the right support, they can ease back into routine and find the energy to thrive in Term 3. Start by re-establishing structure a few days before school resumes. This means bringing back regular bedtimes, waking hours, and meal times. A well-rested child is more alert, emotionally balanced, and better equipped to tackle the school day. Encourage your child t
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