Local community groups in the Burdekin Shire are being encouraged to apply for a share of $285,000 in funding, as the government opens applications for its Indigenous Languages Grants program during National Reconciliation Week. With grants of up to $15,000 available, the funding aims to support the preservation, revitalisation, and promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Queensland. Eligible projects include initiatives in art, drama, music and film, Yarning Circles
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A new era of learning has begun for students across regional and rural Queensland with the launch of the state’s largest classroom, the Queensland Virtual Academy. The initiative is providing more than 4,000 students from 365 state schools with access to specialist subjects that may not be available at their local school. With a $12 million investment in 2025, the program is set to transform education delivery by livestreaming high-demand subjects such as Specialist Mathematics, Senior Physics
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This week saw the Tour de Cure participants cycle through the Burdekin region. Travelling from Grays Beach in Bowen to Plantation Park in Ayr, then continuing to Mt Surround, and finally heading to Strand Park in Townsville. For the participants this isn’t just a ride, it’s a powerful movement to help cure cancer. Tour de Cure is a cancer-agnostic organisation, meaning funds raised support a wide range of cancer research, support services, and prevention projects. The fundraising goal for Signa
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Cyclone Jasper left a lasting mark on cane-growing regions across the Burdekin, including Giru, where widespread flooding and erosion in December 2023 caused significant setbacks for local farmers. Many are still recovering, with some forced to replant entire paddocks and stabilise creek banks to protect their operations into the future. The latest changes to disaster funding eligibility may offer long-awaited relief for those working to rebuild. More Queensland primary producers will now be el
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It’s been all hands-on deck this week at the Burdekin Christian College ahead of the school’s Open Day extravaganza on Sunday the 8th of June! Right down to the school’s convenient door-to-door bus route to ensure children from Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru travel safely to the classroom, Burdekin Christian College will spotlight everything the fantastic school has to offer families this Sunday from 1pm to 3pm. The afternoon will also offer attendees the opportunity to meet the school’s ded
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By Amanda Wright Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities—an elevation that brings national attention to the critical role of regional Australia in shaping the nation’s future. The announcement from Nationals leader David Littleproud has been met with widespread congratulations, but Mr Willcox is keeping his focus close to home as he steps into the role. “I’m truly honoured to take on this role and
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There’s a new landmark on the Burdekin horizon in the form of a 72-metre boiler stack at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Kalamia Mill. The new steel structure has replaced two concrete stacks that towered over the factory and dominated the local skyline for more than 50 years. With the 2025 crushing season starting this week, it means local residents will now see steam rising from a single stack at Kalamia Mill instead of the familiar two. Senior Project Engineer Fabian Sataro said the $12 milli
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held its monthly shoot on Saturday, 10th May, attracting 34 enthusiastic shooters to the range. It was a pleasant day for competition, with ideal weather and a great turnout across all grades. A sincere thank you goes to the valued sponsors for the day — Raine & Horne and Dal Ponte Electrical — for their ongoing support of local sport. The shoot featured four competitive events: Double Barrel, Pointscore, Single Barrel, and the crowd-favourite Handicap, testing sho
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Twelve-year-old Kip Nicholas isn’t just cycling for fun—he’s riding for a cause that affects millions of Australians. This May, the young Burdekin local signed up for the May50K challenge, an annual fundraising initiative supporting research into multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease with no known cure that affects three out of four women diagnosed and strikes the average patient at just 30 years of age. Initially setting himself a target of 50 kilometres and $300, Kip had already surpassed both h
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Before a huge crowd at Rugby Park last Saturday night, the monkey was lifted from the Graders’ back when they recorded their first win of the season, beating last year’s grand finalists Western Lions 38 to 14. The locals were on top from go to whoa, using the ball to their advantage. The Lions were the bigger side across the park, and for the Roosters to win, they had to let the ball do the work and run the opposition off their feet. Coach Steve Lansley pulled the right strings, moving regular
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Two Burdekin locals recently competed in the 2025 Australian Mus Championships held in Brisbane, claiming the national title and earning a place at the upcoming World Titles in Argentina this October. Cousins Ramon Lequerica and Joe Aguirre emerged victorious, representing the Basque Club of North Queensland. The tournament featured 11 teams from across the country, including entries from Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide. Mus is a traditional card game with roots in the Basque Country in northea
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Growers across the Burdekin are being urged to sign on with SKY Renewables before the end of May, as interest grows in the company’s plan to convert sugarcane tops and trash into renewable energy for export. The immediate appeal lies in the opportunity to earn additional income from a by-product that is currently burned in the paddock. SKY Renewables is offering around $15 per green tonne of tops and trash, with all harvesting and transport costs covered by the company—not the grower. For many
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It’s been a bustling week at the Ayr Bowling Club, with plenty of action on the greens and members preparing for the upcoming Purple Pennants in Bowen from May 30 to June 1. Best of luck to our men’s team this weekend. Tuesday’s Ladies Social Bowls featured a game of triples and a rinks match. Karen Shepherd, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power claimed victory over Linda Giumelli, Heather Jorgensen and Dot Cutting. Runners-up on the day were Donna Soper, Rayleen Hervey, Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson
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National Volunteer Week At The Burdekin Community Association #NVW2025 Burdekin Community Association (BCA) enjoyed their 21st National Volunteer Week celebration on the 21st of May. The event recognised the vital work of our Volunteers and said thank you with a morning tea at the BCA Support Centre. A Luncheon was also held on Friday at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club. National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from the 19th to 25th of May 2025
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n a world full of sickness, disease, and fresh pandemics, breast cancer still remains the most prevalent form of cancer in women in Australia—and the Burdekin Breast Cancer Awareness Group is doing its best to ensure that fact doesn’t get lost in the noise. At 10am on July 5th, the group will host its first Biggest Morning Tea since before COVID at Dal Santo’s Deli, aiming to raise both funds and awareness for breast cancer research, as well as foster support for local women who struggle or hav
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Local It was another strong weekend for the senior teams, with three wins and two losses. All five teams are expected to be in action again this weekend in Townsville. On Friday night at International Park, the Division 1 Men went down 0–6 to Brothers, while the Division 2 Men lost 1–2 away to Rebels. The Ladies, playing at home to Warriors, delivered a dominant performance and won 7–0. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves travelled to face Rebels, with both teams returning victorious. The P
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Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness of DFV and Coercive control, highlight the support services available and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated. The theme for 2025 is: Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland. On Saturday the 24th of May, the Burdekin Domestic and Family Abuse Network hosted the 2025 Burdekin Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Wa
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(Incorrect dates in print, please see updated dates in bold) It’s all happening this weekend at the Home Hill Showgrounds, as one of the Burdekin’s biggest events returns for two massive days of culture, competition, food and fire. The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is back and packed with action, starting Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Friday 31 May. Thursday 30 May: Burdekin Cultural Fair & First Fi
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Burdekin Christian College hosted a lively crowd on Friday 23 May for its annual Under 8’s Day Science Fair, bringing science to life for early learners in creative, hands-on ways. Held from 9:00am to 10:30am, the event featured a variety of themed stations where children explored everything from outer space and forensic science to medical experiments and bug hunting. Activities included fossil digs, stethoscope building, anatomy displays and more—all designed to make science fun and accessible
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More than 40 visitors turned out on Sunday 25 May to celebrate the opening of the Textile and Art Exhibition at 170 Arts on the Avenue, Home Hill—showcasing the work of long-time local artists Coral and Billie-Lee. Guests were greeted with a glass of wine or fruit punch as they explored the collection, which featured everything from detailed paintings to inventive textile creations. The afternoon opened with a warm welcome by Sandi Milani, President of the Burdekin Artisan Community Association
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Burdekin Men’s Shed Hosts Inter-Shed Visits Burdekin Men’s Shed hosted their first inter-shed visit since COVID on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, with 14 members from Townsville Men’s Shed, 4 members from Vincent Men’s Shed, and 3 members from Rollingstone Men’s Shed visiting our local shed. On arrival, the guests were treated to morning tea and mingled with members from the other sheds. This was followed by a guided tour of the Burdekin sheds, then a general discussion and Q&A session with all shed
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The 24th annual Burdekin Enduro tore through the Ayr Rifle Range over the weekend, with more than 50 off-road vehicles battling it out across a challenging course that’s become one of Queensland’s most distinctive racing experiences. Hosted by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, the two-day event delivered everything fans have come to expect—speed, skill, and clouds of red dust rising off the unique six-terrain track. With hundreds of spectators drifting in and out across Saturday and Sunday, the atmosph
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This week was one of intense reflection—albeit somewhat involuntarily. Battling sickness through Wednesday, I was reduced to the confines of my apartment walls—so as not to infect the whole neighbourhood. And it was while stuck with nothing but myself and my thoughts that my mind began to run wild: Should I learn the saxophone? Open a food truck? Have I been living in a simulation this whole time? Should I finally start composting? I wonder what became of my Year 4 science teacher. Wait—did I
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Concerns have been raised about ongoing erosion on the south bank of the Burdekin River, particularly near Home Hill, where experts believe the risk of a channel avulsion—a sudden shift in the river’s course—is at its highest. The erosion has reportedly damaged protective vegetation and riverbank stability, raising questions about the current approach to managing flood and flow-related risks in the Burdekin Delta. A recent statement by Professor Eric Wolanski (Townsville), Chris Hopper (T
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Queensland’s sugarcane growers have backed Owen Menkens to lead the industry through a pivotal period, re-electing the Burdekin grower for another three-year term as Chairman of CANEGROWERS Queensland. Mr Menkens was returned to the role by the grower-only Policy Council, which also elected Innisfail grower Joe Marano as Senior Vice Chair and Burdekin’s Steven Marbelli – a newcomer to the state board - as Vice Chair. “This is a grassroots organisation, run by growers for growers,” Mr Menkens s
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