Sunwater recently welcomed four Year 11 students from Ayr State High School to their Clare depot as part of the school’s annual work experience program. In support of the next generation of water industry professionals, each of the students gained valuable insights into different aspects of Sunwater’s operations under the guidance and supervision of experienced experts. Jack, Callie and Lucas explored and worked alongside the maintenance and projects teams to assist with pump station maintenan
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A woman has died and two others have been hospitalised following a head-on collision on the Flinders Highway near Charters Towers on yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene at Breddan, just west of Macrossan Bridge, shortly after 4pm on May 14, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. Initial investigations suggest a Holden Epica and a Hyundai Kona were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on. A woman in her 50s, who was a passenger in the Kona,
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Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community. We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services. For example, aged care, disability care, transport, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and sup
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A trusted name in the Burdekin, Pyott’s Mechanical and Hydraulics continues to grow as a leading force in heavy vehicle servicing and hydraulic solutions. Under the leadership of Ashley Pyott since 2017, the business has expanded its focus to include a well-stocked retail store, offering convenience and accessibility for local customers. “We’ve had the retail store for two years now,” says Ashley. “We have put a lot of extra stock in there. With the oil, there’s stock… like, a lot of stock. You
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It’s a song they say has the ability to empower a woman to kick a door off its hinges with enthusiasm and excitement, and the Burdekin Football Club hopes to emulate such extraordinary energy and more at their upcoming Ladies Day extravaganza! Just last week, the Burdekin FC Inc. announced the theme of their infamous 2025 Ladies Day event will be “Let’s Go Girls” - Denim & White and the wider community could not be more ready to shout the Shania Twain anthem. Set to be held on the 9th of Augus
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A wave of gratitude has washed over the Burdekin once again after almost 200 members of the community were warmly touched by the kindness of a stranger earlier this month. Leisa Kenny shared her story online, detailing how a lovely woman set out on a special delivery to return her husband’s phone, cash, ID and important cards which had fallen from his pocket whilst cycling to work. “Thank you for being a phenomenal, kind and honest person,” expressed Leisa. “May good karma come your way in bu
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The school children and the local people of the shire were treated to a demonstration from the RAAF of the Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly, which visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952. In June 1952, the Shire Council received notice that the RAAF would be paying a promotional visit to the people of the Burdekin in July, bringing one of the first helicopters purchased by the Australian Government. It was decided that the helicopter would land at the Ayr Racecourse, the Home Hill S
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Growing up on a farm 100km from town, Riley Granshaw learned to build, fix, and figure things out the hard way. One day, he decided to put those skills to use—and four years later, what began as a backyard project in his parents’ shed has grown into RG Customs NQ—a one-man customs garage known for its personal touch and elite craftsmanship. Now located in Ayr, RG Customs NQ has become a local favourite for people seeking custom work on their vehicles. Specialising in 4x4 accessory fitment and c
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In what will be the 24th annual Burdekin Enduro off-road racing event, racers and fans alike are in for another weekend full of fast cars, red dust, and roaring engines as Queensland’s toughest drivers take on the rugged terrain of the Ayer Rifle Range on the 24th and 25th of this month. The weekend, organised by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory—a proportionately large number compared to the eight cars that
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As the Burdekin’s flagship race day approaches this weekend, now’s the time for you blokes to get your outfit sorted—and Wild East Western and Workwear has you covered. With a fresh new season of stylish shirts, dress pants and classic hats, Wild East is your one-stop shop for raceday threads that’ll turn heads—or help you blend in with ease. Whether you're aiming for sharp and polished or rugged and relaxed, they’ve got the gear to suit the occasion. Previously known as Sibby’s Savers, the bu
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Excitement is building across the Burdekin as ducks and humans alike ready themselves for the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race, set to take over Plantation Park this Sunday, May 18. Now in its 16th year, the much-loved community event will see hundreds of bright yellow ducks hit the creek for a thrilling 130-metre float to glory. The spectacle kicks off at 11am near the Don Moss Archway, with cash prizes on offer for the fastest five finishers—including $1000 and the coveted 2025 Quack Cup for fir
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After implementing a range of flying-fox dispersal strategies in the lead-up to this year’s Anzac Day, Burdekin Shire Council has doubled down on its efforts to prevent flying fox roosting locally through a long-term, strategic approach that prioritises both environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. The initial activities were rolled out across a three-day period from April 22nd to 24th. This strategy incorporated a range of audible deterrents, such as pyrotechnics, shotgun simulato
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At Ayr State School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door — it leaps into the pool, brushes across a canvas, and even includes wild encounters with native wildlife! This term, students have enjoyed a range of hands-on and enriching experiences that reflect the school’s commitment to providing a vibrant and well-rounded education. From swimming lessons to engaging art workshops, every opportunity is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Students recently made a splas
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After a busy weekend of events, the club returned to its regular routine, starting with Friday night bowls. Attendance was down slightly due to the long weekend, with ten players participating across one game of triples and one game of pairs. In the triples, Margaret McLaughlan and Ray Panacassio defeated D. Sheehan and Ross McLaughlan. In the pairs, the team of Ben Mills, Lloyd Shepherd, and W. Newton proved too strong for A. Newton, L. Storrie, and Jamie Woods. Saturday, 3 May – Pairs
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The Burdekin Art Society recently held its first art workshop of the year with a charcoal drawing class run by visiting Townsville tutor, Carole Howlett. Originally from the UK where she gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, Carole has won many awards at the annual Townsville Art Society exhibitions; conducts art classes at the Drill Hall; and regularly exhibits at Jezzine Barracks. Carole took the attendees of the recent class through an array of exercises using a variety of techniques,
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After a week off with away opens, junior golf was back on here in Ayr this Saturday morning. Overcast and cool, it was a perfect few hours on the course. May Monthly Medal. Our winners for the monthly medal for 9 holes was Kyle Wilkie, with a wonderful PB. For 6 holes it was Hunter Oar, who played some great shots today. And for 3 holes it was River Oar. Gross winners were Amaya Mahoney for 9 holes, Evelyn Mahoney for 6 holes, and Opie McKeough for 3 holes. Congratulations all. Ayr Junior
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It’s officially debutante ball season in the Burdekin, with St Colman’s hosting a beautiful evening over the weekend to start off the calendar. Deb Balls are such a unique part of our community’s traditions, elegant, meaningful, and a rite of passage that many locals’ treasure. I know so many people look forward to these events each year, whether it’s to support family or relive fond memories. Another fantastic local event was the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day. What an incredible
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Synonymous with the Sugar Bowl are the Teaspoons. The Teaspoons have been part of the Sugar Bowl since the 1980s, originally led by longtime captain David Woods. Today, the legacy continues with his son Josh, who rallies the team each year. They come together not just to play, but for mateship, camaraderie, and to support the club and the wider community. The Sugar Bowl simply wouldn’t be the same without their unwavering commitment. The Woods family motto — “first to arrive, last to lea
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On Saturday, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosted their annual Presentation night for both the Junior and Senior members to celebrate and recognise achievements over the season. The club had over 100 members, family, friends and sponsors attend to wrap up the 2024-25 Season. The Ayr SLSC junior committee would like to thank their additional sponsors for the donations for prizes and awards - Wassmuth Automotive, Radar Floors, Rocky Ponds Produce, Laser Electrical, Bob Gould's Fabrication, A
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Local It was a strong weekend for the seniors, with four wins and two draws from six matches, scoring 35 goals across the board. All five senior teams will be in action again this weekend. On Friday night at International Park, the Ladies defeated Saints Eagles Souths 16-0, while the Division 1 Men thumped Warriors 11-0. In Townsville, the Division 2 Men beat JCU Riverway 2-1. On Saturday at home, the Premiers drew 1-1 with Warriors and the Reserves finished 0-0 against the same opponent
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On Saturday 10th May 20 keen hikers (Scouts and family members) of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group hiked up and down Mt Inkerman. The day before Mother’s Day each year Scouts around the world undertake a hike called “Trail Jam” or previously known as “Jamboree of the Trail”. The ages of the hikers ranged from 2-80 years, and the morning started with a small activity involving compasses and maps before tackling the trail. There was a hot BBQ sausage waiting for all the hikers when they got
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It was a tough outing for the Roosters in Townsville on Saturday, with Norths racing away to a 40–4 win in A Grade, thanks in no small part to a host of NRL and QRL talent. The difference in resources was stark. Norths fielded seven Cowboys-contracted players and three from the Blackhawks system — a luxury the Roosters simply didn’t have. The Burdekin side was allocated one Cowboys player this year, but he remains sidelined for the season after being injured in last year’s City-Country cl
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It’s time for another Councillor column and it has been a very busy period since my last column, with budget meetings, Anzac Day and the election. I recently completed a three-day Foundations of Directorship Training course in Brisbane through Lower Burdekin Water, of which I am the Council representative director. It was a very intense, insightful three days and I look forward to bringing that knowledge to my positions as both Director and Councillor. It was wonderful to read the positive soc
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More than 60 per cent of growers who attended last week’s town hall meeting in Ayr have signed up—either on the spot or within 48 hours—to supply cane waste to SKY Renewables, according to company CEO Simon Yim. The event, held at the Ayr Showground Hall on Wednesday 7 May, outlined SKY’s plan to convert sugarcane tops and trash into renewable natural gas (Bio-LNG) for export to energy-hungry markets like Singapore, which relies on liquefied natural gas for 95 per cent of its electricity. SKY
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Burdekin Christian College will transform into a hub of curiosity and creativity on Friday 23 May, when the school welcomes families and community members to its annual Under 8’s Day Science Fair, running from 9:00am to 10:30am. The event is all about letting kids explore science in fun, hands-on ways—whether that means mixing up colourful chemical reactions, digging for fossils, or cracking a cookie-themed mystery. “It’s about unleashing scientific thinking through play,” said event organiser
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