On Saturday, Council hosted a special BBQ lunch to thank volunteers and staff involved in the recent flood event. Over 50 people attended, including local and state representatives, police officials, and Councillors. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to recognise the dedication of those who supported the community’s response and recovery efforts. Acknowledging the hard work of volunteers, especially those who travelled to assist, was a key focus. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort h
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The Burdekin’s proud aviation cadet history will be celebrated as part of the Diamond Jubilee of No.1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), marking 75 years since its formation. Generations of cadets who trained in Ayr and across North Queensland have gone on to serve in the Air Force, aviation, and other industries, with the milestone set to be honoured at a special event in May. The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated with a Cocktail Party on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Townsville
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Clare State School recently celebrated the induction of its 2025 student leaders at a special Induction Parade held in the school library. The event brought together invited guests and members of the Clare community to witness the next generation of young leaders take on their new roles. Students from Years 4 to 6 proudly presented their leadership pledges before hearing an inspiring address from Councillor Amanda Hall, who spoke about the importance of leadership and responsibility. Senior Con
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Over the weekend, many members of the community refreshed and revitalised their closets with Elli Pirrone’s magical Eleven Second-Hand Clothes Market! Hosted at Eleven Body + Mind, Elli filled her Young Street studio from wall to wall with about 14 stallholders all reselling preloved items ranging from $2 upwards in the areas of accessories, shoes, bags and clothes. A hit within the community, Elli’s market creates a wonderful environment where locals come together to discover hidden treasures,
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A weekend of fabulous family fun will ignite the Burdekin this April when the Ayr Family Carnival rolls into town for a non-stop showcase of adrenaline, sweet treats, and carnival nostalgia! On both Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of April, a magical world will come alive at the Ayr Showgrounds from 5:30pm right until 9pm for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees can enjoy unlimited ride armbands for the whole evening as well as FREE entry and a delicious selection of food vans serving up b
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As the ground dries out and activity picks up on farm, so does the activity of our Grower Marketing team. We are in the process of organising our popular shed meetings where we come on farm and update growers on our recent results, the global sugar market and new products or services we can offer. This will be followed up in June with a regional tour by our Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham to deliver an in-depth analysis of global production and consu
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Ayr State High School proudly participated in this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, with eight students and staff attending a special brunch hosted by Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. Zonta, a global organisation, is dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. The school congratulates Year 11 students Caitlyn Cheyne and Tiana Cameron, who were honoured with STEM acknowledgement awards at the event. This recognition encourages and supports young women pursuing careers that ma
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Just three months on from Austin Dewar, Campbell Johnston and Brayden Rawlins’ mammoth fundraising efforts totalling just under $14,000 for men’s mental health, the boys have laced up their running shoes to continue spreading an important message. Austin, Campbell and Brayden have each witnessed friends and family members experience the toll negative mental health can have, and hope to continue breaking down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, sharing the vital message, “It Ain’t Weak
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Members of the Burdekin community are warmly encouraged to take part in an upcoming FREE Suicide Intervention Training session hosted by CORES Queensland at the Burdekin PCYC on Friday the 28th of March. Suicide Intervention Training aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify early warning signs, offer support, and connect at-risk individuals with available services. The upcoming workshop will cover essential topics including: • Recognising the early warni
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By Amanda Wright Tears of relief replaced weeks of frustration for North Queensland’s flood-affected farmers as the Federal and Queensland governments approved an increase in disaster funding, boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000. The announcement, delivered by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on March 12, comes after weeks of intense advocacy from industry leaders, local politicians, and the farming community. The decision also increases funding for sma
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Recently a beautiful and rare china tea set, which depicts the Ayr Council Chambers and the Ayr Post Office, made its way to a local radio station. The station is calling on any Burdekin historians or those who might be familiar with the family that donated them, to come forward and help solve a mystery. “They were sent to Pat Lawson via Victor Cecchin. The Cecchin's had a service station back in the day before they sold it to Romeo motors. After that, I believe it was demolished to become Wool
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Saturday 15th Of March: (1 to 5pm) – Patrol Group F: Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Kat Sartori, Dave Sartori. Sunday 16th Of March: (9am to 5pm) – All Day Patrol Group B: Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson.
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The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed a stellar week, with members coming together for a series of competitive and social matches under perfect playing conditions. The vibrant energy on the greens has been great, as the club continues to foster a strong sense of enthusiasm among its players. With the momentum showing no signs of slowing, members are eagerly anticipating another month of thrilling matches and good times ahead, especially with the weather cooling. Mahjong Ladies Sponsored our social T
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Since 2013, Phil Derlagen, who owns Complete Health Pharmacy in Home Hill, has been servicing the community. This half Dutch, half Sicilian pharmacist, who graduated in 2010 from Townsville, doesn’t see any two days the same, with a typical one involving a whole range of varying aspects. “You’ve got to be prepared to see lots of different things. People come in and ask questions that can be straightforward, and at other times it can be quite challenging. For example, trying to make sure that th
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The floods may have subsided, but the spirit of community in Burdekin remains as strong as ever. Amidst the devastation that swept through Ingham, a shining beacon of kindness emerged in the form of a man named Troy. When a couple travelling to Townsville became stranded at Plantation Creek on Saturday afternoon, it was the generosity of locals that turned their ordeal into a testament to human kindness. Troy, a local business owner, offered them a meal and a place to stay for the night—an act
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Making it the number one priority of his visit to the Burdekin last week, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, presented Vietnam veteran, Greg Walters, with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognising his service given in the Defence Force. Mr Willcox also presented the Home Hill RSL with an Australian Flag, which was greatly appreciated and warmly received by the RSL. The members were also witness to Mr Walter receiving his honorary award, making it a notable occasion. Federal Member for
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Burdekin Event Guide Friday 14 March Trivia Under the Stars 6.30pm (for a 7pm start) Grab a team of 6 and join us for a fun night of trivia, under the stars. $10 pp. Supper provided. Burdekin Netball Association Courts Friday 14, 16, 21, 23 March Shamrock Shindig The Home Hill Choral Society proudly presents their latest show, Shamrock Shindig, which shapes to be a real hoot. With shows at 7:30pm and 1pm, everyone’s covered. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. The Vault (Home Hill) – Ticket
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The Burdekin Panthers teams had a successful weekend. The Ladies’ and Men’s Division One teams played in Townsville on Friday, with the Ladies winning 7-0 against Wulguru and the Men drawing 1-1 with Saints Eagles Souths. On Saturday, the Under 23s won 4-2 against Rebels, and the Premiers triumphed 2-1. The Premiers' win marked their first of the season, with Damien Casella and Ryan Scodellaro scoring to secure a 2-1 victory. The Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves also fought hard for a 4-2 win, whi
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In this week’s sports update, Home Hill Bowls is pleased to welcome their Pacific Islander members who have joined for this year’s season. The club invites everyone to participate in Wednesday night bowls, which will begin at 6:30 pm. Participants are asked to sign up by 6:00 pm at the club. Lisa, originally from Papua New Guinea, shared her thoughts on the sport during a recent conversation. When asked about bowls in her homeland, Lisa explained that there are bowls clubs in Papua New Guinea,
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My journey here at Burdekin Life has come to an end. Don’t cry. Don’t get angry. Don’t wonder why? Just laugh. That’s what keeps the rocking world going round. If I’ve learned anything in this life, it’s that we all need to laugh more. Life is already hard enough as it is to be taken so seriously all the time. Have a laugh, even at me. I don’t mind. Really, I don’t. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every one of you who helped my time within, and outside th
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International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on 8 March, is a global occasion that honours and commemorates the ongoing fight for women's equality and liberation, as well as the broader women's rights movement. The day highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. This year’s celebration was described as an inspiring event, filled with meaningful conversations, delicious food, and a shared commitment to ‘Accelerate Action’
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Sporting Clubs are the heart and soul of a community, which feels the impact of unwelcoming weather. Home Hill Tennis Association has felt the impact of all kinds of weather conditions and recent flooding again threatened their clubrooms and cancelled matches. The timing of a recent donation from the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr could not have come at a better time as the association aims to put a smile on the many volunteers that help their sport recover from these challenges. The courts
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13 promising young lifesavers from the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club are heading south for the 2025 Queensland Youth Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast. The Championships, which includes clubs from all across Queensland, are scheduled to take place at Tugun from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th of March, with four action packed days of water, beach and lifesaving events. This cohort of 13 nippers is one of the biggest groups to head to State Titles as part of the North Barrier Branch Yo
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The Burdekin has been hosting the NQ Fast Track Showcase for over 10 years, and it is currently the only one of its kind being held in Queensland. The event is open to all ages and all talent genres from singers, dancers, bands, comedians, rappers etc. Thanks to Major Sponsor, Burdekin Motors, Fast Track this year has secured talented Aussie actor and performer, Hugh Sheridan, as their special guest for Fast Track 2025. Hugh will be part of the Friday evening’s workshop for Fast Track Contest
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Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of their parent & community committee (P&C), Osborne State School are pleased to announce that they will be completely fee-free for 2025! Just a short 5-6 minute drive from Home Hill, this small but vibrant school not only creates a leaning environment where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive, but they can now attend for free thanks to their Fee-Free incentive. “This year we wanted to do something that focused more on encoura
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