Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
When Iris Dingle walks through town, people still stop her with a smile and say, "Oh, Mrs Claus—I remember bringing my kids to your house at Christmas”—a testament to the enduring mark she's left on her community as she approaches her 100th birthday. Iris has long been synonymous with festive cheer, generosity, and a life devoted to family and community. Born in Charters Towers before moving to Home Hill shortly after, Iris grew up in a tight-knit, active family. She and her sisters were known
Read more
OPINION PIECE Immigration is important. Our country has been built on it. We would not be the Australia we are today without people choosing to set up their lives here. In Dawson, we have some of the best and most successful examples of what immigrations brings and what it builds over generations. I’m talking about all the people who run farms, workshops and businesses across the region, professionals in our clinics, schools and our offices, the on the ground workers who came looking for a bett
Read more
Burdekin Netball’s goals of growing the club and improving facilities for local and visiting players have taken a major step forward following the delivery of a commitment made in the lead up to the 2024 state election. Following his support of multiple attempts to secure funding for the upgrades, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, credited the club’s unwavering commitment and extensive planning for securing the necessary funding and expediting work. “For five years Burdekin Netball have been
Read more
The Burdekin Art Society’s 2025 Art Exhibition was held at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer, showcasing a vibrant display of creativity from artists across the region. The annual event officially opened on Saturday, 30 August, with a well-attended presentation evening and awards ceremony. Throughout the following week, the exhibition welcomed the public daily, offering a chance to view – and purchase – an impressive range of artworks. Pieces were available for sale starting from just $30, making it a
Read more
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) kicked off its 50th Anniversary celebrations on Monday, 1st September, with a memorable gathering for clients and guests. A crowd of 114 enjoyed a delicious roast lunch, dessert, and a specially made Anniversary cake. Councillor John Furnell kept the event lively as emcee, while Ricky Romeo entertained with a wide variety of songs. Highlighting the celebration, BCA Secretary Brian Sorohan and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort shared the ceremonial cake-cutti
Read more
Physiotherapy, Dietitian Support, and Home Care Services All Under One Roof The Burdekin’s healthcare options have just been bolstered significantly with the opening of Kota's Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic in Ayr, which was marked by a well-attended ceremony led by owner Dr. Sarat Tata on Sunday, 9 September. Located at 53 Macmillan Street, the clinic aims to provide the Burdekin community with convenient, accessible, and affordable physiotherapy, dietitian and home care services. Dr. Tata
Read more.jpg)
What a Weekend in the Burdekin – and a Wake-Up Call Too What a great Burdekin Water Festival! After months of planning, Queen Street came alive last Saturday as our community celebrated 67 years of tradition. Hats off to the Organising Committee, our hardworking Junior and Senior Ambassadors, and every single volunteer who pitched in – whether in a big way or small. From the Grand Parade rolling down the street, to the busy Twilight Markets, the tasty delights of Burdekin Eats, and plenty of f
Read more.jpg)
Yes, we’ve done it again! Council has secured $1.9 million from the Federal Government to deliver much-needed road pavement widening and kerb renewal, making heavy vehicle access smoother and safer for our local businesses and industry. This funding comes through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) a big win for our region. And that’s not all. We’re also in the final stages of approvals for more than $20 million in jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRF
Read more
Sleep apnoea is a condition many have heard of, but few truly understand. Its symptoms are vague—snoring, fatigue, restless nights—and often brushed off as nothing serious, but if left untreated, consequences can be far more damaging than mere daytime grogginess. The good news? It’s treatable. And, for residents of Ayr and surrounding communities, access to testing and treatment just got a lot easier. Ayr Amcal Chemist is stepping in where larger healthcare services often fall short. For 12 yea
Read more
From a childhood fascination to building a thriving photography business, Melanie Napier has always seen the world through a lens. “I can remember using mum and dad’s little camera, trying to take pictures of birds and other wildlife,” she said. That early spark eventually grew into Melanie Napier Memories & Photography, which this month celebrates three years since she officially began her dream of working as a photographer. By day, Napier works as an ICT administrator for the Burdekin Shire
Read more
Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is proud to support the upcoming Club of Origin day on Saturday, 29 November, standing alongside the Burdekin Roosters and the wider community in their efforts to keep rugby league strong in the region. The Club of Origin is more than just a sporting event. Its purpose is to revive and sustain local rugby league by encouraging new and returning players, volunteers, and supporters to get involved. This year, the Roosters have faced challenges on and off the field,
Read more
A group of Burdekin Christian College students recently took part in the ATSIMS Program (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Marine Science) at James Cook University. The initiative is aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders in marine science by blending traditional cultural knowledge with modern scientific research. During the program, students had the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef, investigate marine ecosystems, and gain valuable hands-on experience a
Read more
Tec-NQ House Year 10 boarder Brad is already getting his hands on the tools. He has secured assistant boiler maker work with a local business near home, not far from Clermont. “This is my first year at Tec-NQ House,” said Brad. “I’m in Year 10, and so far I’m liking it.” The move to boarding has been made easier by new friendships. “I have made a few mates, so that’s good,” he commented. Term breaks will be busy. When he is not on the job learning the basics of boiler making, Brad will be back
Read more
The Sweet FM Saturday markets have been a revelation for Home Hill and the wider Burdekin community since they began earlier this year. “I’ve been genuinely surprised as to how well they’ve been received,” says Charlie Scuderi, 97.1 Sweet FM’s Station Manager. “It only came about during our 25th Birthday Celebrations back in April, in what we thought would be a one-off,” he says. “But all the stallholders who attended that day were incredi-bly happy with the turnout, and so they requested more
Read more
The sound of celebration carried further in Ayr over the weekend, with Burdekin Shire Council’s upgraded Queen Street speaker system put to the test during the Burdekin Water Festival. Originally installed to broadcast Sweet FM programs through the CBD, the stand-alone speakers have long been a feature of Queen Street, helping keep the community informed while supporting local businesses. The recent upgrade introduced a public address function, giving the system new flexibility to deliver anno
Read more
The Burdekin Netball Association held its fundraising evening “Wigs and Wine” on Friday, 29th August, drawing strong community support for a cause that blended entertainment, awareness, and local pride. 160 guests embraced the theme by arriving with wigs already on, filling the venue with colour and character. A glass of champagne on arrival and a hearty dinner set the stage for the evening, which combined light-hearted fun with a meaningful purpose. The main focus of the event was the Ponytai
Read more
Last Saturday, a talented group of Burdekin riders travelled south to Proserpine to compete at the Whitsunday Motorcycle Club Day, joining a field of around 70 competitors. Across five races for most classes, riders collected points toward their overall placings — and Burdekin competitors made their presence felt. One of the standout performers of the meet was Ky Mitchell, who completely dominated both the 125cc and 250cc (13–16 years) classes. Mitchell’s speed, consistency, and control saw him
Read more
For the first time in more than a decade, Home Hill Cricket Association senior teams are returning to compete in the Cricket North Queensland (Townsville) competition. On Sunday 7 September, Home Hill took to the field against Brothers Kenny’s Automotive for the first round of the Second Grade - CNQ comp at John McCulloch Oval, Kirwan. Brothers won the toss and elected to bat first. The Brothers opening partnership amassed 44 runs before Greg Flanagan made the breakthrough with the ball to tak
Read more
Last weekend featured just two Finals games. Thursday night, Division 2 Funkies beat Brothers 4-0, while on Saturday the Ladies lost 1-3 to Brothers. For the Preliminary Finals: the Ladies must beat Rebels Friday 6.30pm, and the Funkies must beat Saints Eagles Souths Thursday 6.30pm to reach their Grand Finals. Division 2 Men The C.A. Contracting Funkies faced Brothers in the elimination final. Brothers started strong, but Burdekin scored first through Chris Achille, before Brothers equalised.
Read more
“We made too many mistakes,” said Burdekin River ladies coach Anita Hagarty after her team went down 24-14 to Western Lions at Brothers on Sunday in the R.L.T.D. Ladies preliminary final in Townsville. Last week, the team beat Brothers by letting the ball do the work, and the strategy delivered a solid win. This week, they tried the same approach. Toni Daisy crossed for a strong opening try, and with Rebecca Pace’s conversion, Burdekin led 6-0. However, the experienced and bigger Lions soon pr
Read more
Thirty players were on hand for a fantastic spring afternoon. Today’s winners were Margaret Chapman, Lloyd Shepherd, and Des Chapman. Unfortunately, Lloyd had to leave at the end of the game, so only Margaret and Des appear in our winners’ photo. The field consisted of four games of triples and a game of pairs. On Rink 3, Judy Elton, Sandra Darwin, and Hugh Montgomery proved too good for Paul Vass, Neville Webb, and Phil Marsden. Rink 4 saw Betty Webb, Bruce McCallum, and Wayne Newton account f
Read more
The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed a fantastic week, with members coming together for a series of competitive and social matches. The energy on the greens has been great, as the club continues to foster a strong sense of enthusiasm towards the great game of lawn bowls. With the momentum showing no signs of slowing, members are eagerly anticipating another month of great matches and good times ahead. Wednesday’s Men’s Bowls saw great participation, with two games of pairs and a triples game. The s
Read more
Lyn’s President’s Day saw 42 bowlers hit the greens in a day full of competition, laughs, and community spirit. Players and spectators alike kept the atmosphere lively, and thanks to the effort of members, helpers, and sponsors Danny and Marissa O’Shea Painting, the event ran smoothly from start to finish. On the leaderboard, the top prize went to Kaye Garner, Darelle Pearce, and Rhonda Tawse. Runners-up were Irene Adams, Elaine Young, and Colleen Olsen, while third place went to Wilma Berryman
Read more
At 2025 QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch The 2025 QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch dazzled guests with a taste of European summer, but the true highlight was the celebration of this year’s exceptional Senior Ambassadors. Eliza Worlein, Georgia Tomasetig, Julia Cahill, Mia Galbraith, Molly Julyan, and Nicole Cervoni were honoured for their dedication, growth, and friendship throughout the season. In a heartwarming moment, Eliza Worlein was named Runner Up,
Read more
The Burdekin’s own trio of inspirational advocates for men’s mental health, Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston, recently travelled down south to Melbourne to attend the infamous 2025 Mo Awards on the evening of Thursday, the 28th of August. Known across the nation as Three Blokes Running, the boys have made several headlines and news bulletins over the past year or so due to their unwavering dedication towards breaking down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, pushing t
Read more