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Burdekin Catholic High School warmly invites prospective students and their families to our Open Twilight Evening on Monday, May 26, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This special event offers a valuable opportunity to explore the heart of our vibrant school community, meet our passionate staff, and experience first-hand what sets BCHS apart. The Open Twilight Evening is more than just a tour — it's a window into your child’s future. Families will have the chance to see our modern learning environments, e
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Ayr State High School’s Sophie Robertson has been selected to attend the esteemed 44th Professor Harry Messel International Science School, to be held at the University of Sydney from the 7th to the 18th of July later this year. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 450 applicants nationwide, Sophie is one of just 44 students across Australia to receive a coveted scholarship to the program. Sophie was also only one of five Year 11-12 students selected across Queensland and her place is
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Nationally recognised award-winning cattle dog handler, Steven Elliott, will return to the region once again to host a comprehensive Working Dog School at the Ayr Showgrounds next month. Hailing from Winton, 177 kilometers northwest of Longreach, Steven was left paralysed from the chest down after falling from a saddle bronc on New Year's Eve in 2003. However, despite a dislocated C6 and C7 vertebrae, Steven transformed his love for training and riding horses into an accomplished career trainin
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the pricing nomination date for the 2025 season passes there are a couple of notable trends emerging in the ways growers are approaching their GEI sugar price management. Firstly, we are seeing a drift away from growers managing the price risk themselves and going back to the pools. Interestingly we have seen our first drop-off in growers choosing to manage their GEI pricing exposure with the popular GMPRS product. In the same vein, we have a sign
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Ayr Bowling Club has been a hive of activity this week, with members turning out in strong numbers for a packed schedule of social games and championship matches. The lively atmosphere on the greens reflected both the camaraderie of the club and the competitive spirit of the championship season, now in full swing. Spectators and players alike were treated to an impressive display of talent, skill, and sportsmanship throughout the week. Tuesday – Ladies’ Social Bowls An enjoyable afternoon
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A farmer dies by suicide in Australia every 10 days—a heartbreaking statistic that highlights the urgent need for targeted support in rural and agricultural communities. Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) stands in solidarity with the many organisations working to change this reality, including Cores Queensland, a grassroots initiative making a powerful difference across the state. Cores Queensland offers suicide prevention training and mental health support in regional centres su
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James Cook University scientists have found stonefish toxins could be used to fight parasitic worm infections suffered by nearly a quarter of the world’s population. JCU PhD candidate Danica Lennox-Bulow led the study. She said parasitic gastrointestinal worms (helminths) are a massive problem around the globe - and it looks to be getting worse. “It’s estimated that over two billion people, or a little over 24% of the global population, are currently infected with helminths. They can cause int
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The Queensland Government is working with primary producers across the State to design a plan to deliver a prosperous future for the sector. Consultation throughout regional Queensland has started on the 25-year blueprint, “Primary Industries Prosper 2050”, which is the largest strategic collaboration between the Government and industry in at least a decade. Following the forum in Brisbane on 26 February, the draft blueprint is now touring the State and available online. Farmers, graziers, fi
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One of the major attractions at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day on Saturday, 10 May, will be the Walkers Engine No.1 Diesel Engine and Alternator Set. Built around 1930 by Walkers Ltd in Maryborough, this impressive engine is based on a Mirrlees design. Rated at 220 horsepower at 300 rpm, it weighs 25 tonnes and drove a 150kW alternator. It features an air-blast start system and air-blast fuel injection — a method based on Rudolf Diesel’s original 1897 engine design. Several Eu
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St. Stephen’s Greek Community will once again bring the colour, flavour and rhythm of Greek culture to the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, offering festival-goers a taste of tradition through food, music and dance. The Home Hill-based group has been part of the Burdekin’s multicultural fabric for generations, with roots tracing back to early Greek migrants seeking opportunity in Australia. “Our ancestors migrated to Australia to have more opportunities, for the betterment of their families,” s
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On April 26, the Burdekin Men’s Shed hosted its biannual Garage Sale to help raise funds for its ongoing activities and community contributions. “What we sell at the garage sale is our main funding for the year,” said President Rob Ritchie. “We might have one or two a year, and we also sell stuff on Facebook.” From 8am to 11:30am, customers were spoilt for choice, with a range of modern and antique household items, artworks, tools, gadgets and a host of other items available for purchase at ba
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Further details of the Crisafulli government’s action on a scourge of society was introduced to Parliament to coincide with the start of domestic and family violence prevention month in a move that illustrates the importance of the issue according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. The Legislation will now be examined by the Parliamentary Education, Arts and Communities Committee who will seek stakeholder input and conduct public consultation. “The Crisafulli government has drawn a clear li
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Local Another long weekend with no senior fixtures. However, all five teams should be in action this weekend. On Friday night, the Ladies play at home against Saints Eagles Souths at 6:30, followed by the Men’s Division 1 match against Warriors at 8:30. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are at home to Warriors, with the Reserves kicking off at 5:00 and the Premier at 7:00. The Division 2 men are away to JCU Riverway at 6:30 on Friday. This is Pink Panthers Female Football Week, with a var
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Last weekend, the Foley Shield was contested in Townsville between the host city, Mackay, and Cairns, in both men’s and women’s matches. On Saturday, Townsville beat Cairns 40-16 in the men’s match and 48-14 in the women’s, with Burdekin’s Martina Monday scoring two tries. On Sunday, Mackay defeated Cairns 58-6 but lost to Townsville 40-0 in the women’s. Townsville completed a clean sweep on Monday, beating Mackay 40-10 in the men’s and 50-4 in the women’s, with Martina scoring again. The RLTD
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Burdekin Shire Council is delighted by the strong interest shown following the release of land in Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Precinct. Nutrien Harcourt McCathies have received numerous enquiries since the release with negotiations underway for a number of lots. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Ayr Industrial Precinct presents an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in North Queensland. “The strong response to the Stage
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The Home Hill Community Sports Club, in partnership with the Department of Sport & Recreation, is launching a new Barefoot Bowls program aimed at boosting female participation in lawn bowls. The weekly event invites women of all ages to enjoy the game in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Running every Wednesday evening from April 23 to May 28, 2025, the program will be held at the Home Hill Community Sports Club. Registration is open before 6pm each week. The night kicks off with a free sausage sizzl
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It’s been another fantastic week at Ayr Bowling Club, filled with fun and fierce competition! The greens have been alive with energy as members participated in both social games and championship matches. With the championship season in full swing, the talent and sportsmanship on display have been outstanding. Wednesday’s social bowls featured two games of triples and one rink match. The winners were B Young, J Pirrone, J Papale, and B Shepherd, who defeated R Aplin, G Braid, D Poli, and M Power
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Friday 9 May Wellbeing, Health and More (WHAM) Day A Day to celebrate and educate students about all things related to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Home Hill State High School Saturday 10 May Car Boot Sale – Home Hill Saturday 8am–12 noon Held under the trees at Ashworths Rock Shop, next to 170 Arts on the Avenue, this community boot sale welcomes everything from treasures to trinkets. Market stalls also welcome. $10 per site. To book a site, phone 0427 821 065 or 0497 356 355. Ash
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Thank you for trusting me to be your representative for another three years. As the re- elected Member for Dawson, I will repay your faith by continuing to work hard and fight for our region’s fair share. Saturday night was bittersweet. I celebrated our local team’s increased vote with family and supporters, while also mourning the missed opportunity for the Coalition to form government. Labor has made many promises in retaining government, and I intend to hold them to account for our region.
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Having refined his retail and customer service skillset over the course of his already extensive career, Gary’s philosophy is simple: understand your customers, empower your team, and never settle for “good enough.” “We're very customer-centric, and customers need and want that. There's no reason why our customers should have anything less than the best that could be offered,” says Roser. With a background spanning fast food, telecommunications, and the travel industry, Gary’s path to Harvey N
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Nicholas Tremaine, cycling across Australia for his Distance 4 Dementia initiative, recently visited the Burdekin region, stopping in Home Hill after a 119-day journey. Motivated by the impact dementia had on his mother, Nicholas aims to raise awareness and funds for the disease. On his way through the Burdekin, he shared his story with the Home Hill / Ayr Lions Club, receiving heartfelt support. His mission, covering 40,075 km by 2025, is dedicated to advocating for better care and a cure for
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WOW! What a busy few long weekends! Starting with another memorable, sombre ANZAC Day, my morning started with the Dawn Service in Home Hill, Home Hill Cemetery participating with the Home Hill Choral Society, Brandon Service followed by the main Service in Giru. Well done to the pipers and drummers who entertained at the ANZAC club afterwards. Thank you to all who participated in the day’s services. For me it was a time to especially remember my dad and uncle WWII and grandad WWI. ‘Canefield
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If anyone ever tells you there’s nothing to do in the Burdekin — tell them they’re not looking hard enough! It’s event season in the Burdekin, and this weekend marks the first Debutante Ball of the year — a special tradition that brings families and our community together to celebrate and support our local young women. Our tennis community was buzzing over the weekend, with visitors from near and far taking part in competitions and the official opening of the new amenities block at the Home Hi
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For every year since its inception in 1981, the Sugar Bowl has served up a weekend full of all-round entertainment and good quality tennis. This year's edition was no different. However, unlike any year in the past, this year’s event saw the opening of a brand-new, wheelchair-accessible amenities block. Players and spectators alike gathered early on Saturday morning to witness the official opening of the facility, at which Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort were both pre
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With degrees in Teaching and Multimedia & Information Technology—and years of experience working in the field of IT—Adrian’s transition into a proprietor role at Harvey Norman was seamless. Before stepping into a proprietor role at Harvey Norman—where he’s spent more than 13 years—Adrian had built a diverse résumé that includes stints at EB Games, KFC, a tech startup, and even web development for Australian Mining Link. He says that the technology and sales knowledge accrued throughout his car
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