Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
We are excited to announce BCA’s new Accredited Exercise Physiology (AEP) Program, that will commence on the 1st of July 2025. The program has been specifically designed to help individuals of all ages. Sessions will be delivered from our fully equipped and friendly Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre located at 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) supervise all AEP Program participants and provide best practice exercise prescription to ensure that eve
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At 1.35pm on Friday 23 May, Police from Ayr Highway patrol intercepted a vehicle on Chippendale Street, Ayr. As a result the driver, a 27yr old Burdekin woman, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 28 July. At 2.40pm on Tuesday 27 May, Police from Ayr Highway patrol intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result the driver, a 54yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant
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You might’ve noticed that Dal Santo’s Deli was a little busier and a lot louder than usual last Thursday. That was thanks to the Burdekin Breast Cancer Awareness Group’s sold out Biggest Morning Tea event. Attendees flooded the space from 10am, with 60+ people gathering in true Burdekin fashion to show their support for breast cancer research and those affected by the disease. Among attendees was Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who officially opened the event before handing over to councillor and ev
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Local organisations and schools from all across the Burdekin region were announced as the beneficiaries of a generous grant from Melbourne-based energy powerhouse Pacific Blue at last weekends Sweet Days Hot Nights festival. Community Investment Coordinator for Pacific Blue Jackie Stojanoski attended the event, handing out a number of checks aimed at aiding operations of different organisations in the area as part of the company’s Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund. The Haughton Sustainable
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Where there’s a will, there’s a way—and although the way isn’t so clear-cut for three-year-old brain cancer patient Elenna Savorgnan, her parents Maria, Marty, and brother Reuben are playing their part in forging one. After recently launching a GoFundMe campaign, the Home Hill-based family have managed to garner a sizeable $13,210 at the time of writing, with contributions from 158 generous donors helping them edge closer to their $50,000 target. The money raised will aid the family’s efforts
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At the heart of the Burdekin in far north Queensland is a land of rich, dark soil, with the Burdekin River Delta and an underground aquifer delivering abundant water that remains unspoiled. A land where much heavier crops of sugar cane are grown, by multi-generational farmers and their families who live on the land without complaint in a cyclone zone. From bores, the water travels channels tilled across fertile laser-levelled fields that the farmer made. As the green cane shoots are coaxed to g
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Three Burdekin locals have done the region proud at the 2025 National Touch Football Championships in Coffs Harbour, representing at the highest level in both playing and officiating roles. Veteran player Ian Kerr suited up for Brisbane in the Over 65s division and helped steer his team to an undefeated run in the round robin stage. In a tense grand final clash against the Sydney Scorpions, Kerr and co. held their nerve to clinch a 3–2 victory and take home the national title. His efforts didn’
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It was a red-letter day for Burdekin rugby league on Saturday in Ayr, with the Roosters defeating Charters Towers across all three grades. A Grade made it three straight wins with a convincing 38–18 victory, backing up recent triumphs over Western Lions and Centrals. Despite a sluggish start and conceding the first try and conversion to trail 6–0, the Roosters didn’t take long to hit back. Front-rower Tate Brombal strolled through the Miners' defence to score beside the posts, and from there, c
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Last Sunday, the Home Hill Tennis Association hosted its second annual Cane Country Cup pickleball tournament, with cheers, sighs, lows and highs marking each match from the first at 8am to the last at 3:30pm. The tournament featured 24 teams—a mix of local and travelling outfits—all battling it out for glory on a day that, for the most part, delivered perfect weather conditions. Play was split into two divisions: competitive and social. Each fixture across both categories included four matche
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A great Pennants practice session was held on Wednesday, with the Home Hill ladies joining in. Margaret Linton, Judy Elton, Lyn Storrie, and Colleen Olsen secured a win over Meryl Smith, Ann Newton, Sandra Darwen, and Helen Collins. Despite low numbers on Friday, 6th June—due to other commitments—10 bowlers braved the very smoky conditions and enjoyed the games. In a tight game of triples, Dave Sheehan, Lyn Storrie, and Ross McLaughlin defeated Dion McIntosh, Rob Jorgensen, and Gary Pearce. I
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Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed a fantastic week of bowls, camaraderie and community spirit, with events rolling across the greens from Tuesday right through to the weekend. The week kicked off with the Tuesday Social Afternoon on June 3rd, which saw some thrilling matches and great sportsmanship. Congratulations to the winning trio—Meryl Smith, Beryl Cornford and Heather Jorgensen—who defeated Isabel Cislowski, Rayleen Hervey and Dot Cutting. In another well-fought game, Katharina Stuckler and Pa
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has recognised 6 locals for their contribution during this year’s severe weather events. Community input had already seen the Country Ayr Motel and radio station Sweet-FM acknowledged for going above and beyond and Mr Last said the final six flood heroes were just as deserving. “While damage to homes and businesses was not as widespread as was originally feared, the severe weather event had a major impact on both locals and visitors to the region,” Mr Last sa
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Local A much better weekend for the Panthers, winning four of five matches and scoring twenty goals! On Friday night in Townsville, the Division 2 Funkies beat Rebels 5-1, while the Division 2 Men lost 1-3 at home to SES. The Ladies defeated Wulguru 5-0. On Saturday, at home to SES, the Premiers won 5-0 and the Reserves won 4-1. This Friday, the Division 1 Men and the Ladies are at home. Division 1 play Rebels at 8.30, and the Ladies play Saints Eagles Souths at 6.30. The Division 2 Men play J
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It's truly a special time of year in our region, as the familiar hum of machinery signals the start of our vital sugar cane harvest season. As your local councillor, it's always inspiring to witness the incredible effort and dedication that goes into this annual tradition, which is so deeply woven into the fabric of our community. The sight of harvesters working in the fields and the cane trains rumbling along our railway lines are iconic sights that remind us of the immense contribution the su
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The skies are once again filled with black snow. While I do enjoy skiing down snowy slopes, unfortunately, this isn’t the kind of snow we can ski on. Many grumble at the sight of it, but it has long been part of life here in the Burdekin. It's a sign that the hard work of the crushing season is underway, bringing economic benefits that flow right across the district. Of course, we all know the golden rule, don’t hang the washing out too early, and make sure it’s in before the afternoon falls. A
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Superannuation is one of Australia’s most important vehicles for building a comfortable retirement. Yet many of us only start paying attention to our super balances later in life. I encourage everyone to check in on your fund and think seriously about what your retirement nest egg might look like. So why is super hitting the news and why am I raising it? The Albanese Labor government is planning a super heist and wants to change the goal posts on retirement savings. They are proposing to doubl
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On Saturday, 31st May, the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships swung into action under perfect weather and buzzing crowds. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, competitors showed off their skill and speed—and a bit of friendly rivalry—across a range of divisions sponsored by some of the region’s top local businesses. The day saw fierce competition and plenty of impressive performances across all categories, culminating in the final showdown—the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championship
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Gumlu held its 11th AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA at the Molongle Beach Caravan Park shelter by the seaside on Sunday 8th June, on a magnificent north Qld winter’s morning, enjoying the filtering in of the warm sunshine. The total raised was $1363 with a crowd of 50 people. Many travelled from Bowen and the Burdekin regions to enjoy the annual gathering. We always try to invite guest speakers from CCQ or people whose personal lives have been affected by cancer. This year we had the privilege
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Dear Community Members, We hope this article finds you well – it has been a minute since we have contributed an article to the paper! As we all know, food security is a pressing issue that affects us on multiple levels—families, individuals, and our community as a whole. Ensuring that everyone has consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is crucial for our health, well-being, and personal growth. Together, we can brainstorm innovative strategies to enhance food security for ev
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The Home Hill Choral Society delivered an afternoon of laughs, music and heartfelt community spirit during their Winter Concert last Sunday at The Vault. The event featured a unique blend of performances, with young talent from the recent Eisteddfod taking centre stage alongside the Society’s trademark comic skits and choral songs. Children performed songs, poetry, and Highland dancing—much to the delight of an audience of around 55 people, plus proud parents and guests. In between the childre
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By Jacob Casha The American Theatre Wing’s renowned Tony Awards—held annually in New York City—celebrated its 78th edition on Monday morning AEST, recognising excellence in Broadway theatre with that characteristic Broadway grandeur. And amidst the whirlwind of flashy dresses and ostentatious, fake-pocketed suits was the proud, grounded presence of Burdekin-born-and-raised Neil Gooding—whose works were recognised with four Tonys and a further six nominations at the event. His projects Operatio
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It was as I plunked myself down beneath the awning, catching my breath after being given the runaround in a Cane Country Cup match on the weekend that, just above the sound of my own wheezing, I heard my good friend, Linda Gooding, chatting to someone about how her son, Neil, was in the running for a "Tony Award" in New York City. Naturally curious, I asked Linda and her Husband John about it, and came to find that it’s basically the Oscars of live Broadway theatre! For further clarity, think:
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Sunday 15 June Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627. Plantation Park Wednesday 18 June Social and Networking Event Wednesday 5:30pm The community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation. Home Hill Community Sports Club Wednesday 25 June Bu
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By Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing It’s great to see the 2025 production season off to an early start, with crushing under way in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions, and the Herbert commencing this week. The weather continues to cooperate, and we hope that remains the case so all regions can get sugar into the sheds. The #11 sugar contract continues to trend lower, with little change in the global surplus production forecast. The recent UNICA report for the first half of May 2025
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CANEGROWERS has welcomed the renewed momentum in Australia-EU free trade negotiations, urging both sides to work towards a deal that delivers meaningful outcomes for Australian agriculture. “We’re pleased to see talks are getting back on track,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. “But success will depend on whether an agreement provides commercially realistic access for agricultural sectors like sugar.” Negotiations stalled in late 2023 after proposed market access for key commodities – includ
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