It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor, especially in regional Queensland under this failing Labor government. Many GP’s are moving away from bulk billing because the Medicare Rebate is too low. This has resulted in more patients being charged out-of-pocket fees thanks to the Albanese Government. “Medicare bulk billing rates have dropped by 11 percent and the average out of pocket cost to see a Doctor has skyrocketed by 45 percent which is simply not good enough.” Federa
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Burdekin Life newspaper journalist and celebrated author, Mark T. Rasmussen, wowed a packed Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday at the Home Hill Community Sporting Club, as he discussed his award-winning novel, The Journey, and his own life story. The first meeting of the year for the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce proved to be a popular one, with the full house of attendees treated to a special night to hear about Mark’s novel, his writing, as well as his own journey, which inc
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The team and I at BCA have been busy helping the community and council with the initial disaster management response and community recovery, due to the recent Monsoonal Trough. Please see information below regarding the Community Recovery Hubs currently open. Community Recovery Hub Burdekin Activated locations: entire LGA If you are suffering hardship or require emotional support as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low event, help is available. You may be eligible for financial o
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The Burdekin Readers and Writers Festival (BRWF) has been reignited after a big turnout for their do-or-die meeting last Wednesday morning at the Burdekin Theatre. In what shaped as an historic, potentially festival ending assembly, 18 people showed up and threw their support behind keeping the once popular festival alive. After the festival was cancelled in 2020 because of covid, the BRWF never quite got back the momentum they had carried from the previous three well-run and attended festivals
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LocalThe 2025 season kicked off last Saturday night when Burdekin Panthers met Estates in the Kappa Cup. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost 1-2 but are back in action this Saturday with the start of the 2025 fixtures.After enjoying a few Cup runs in the last few seasons the Panthers were keen to do the same this year. In front of them was an Estates team that we have enjoyed many tough battles with over the last few years. That it was the first competitive match of the season was obvious as both t
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The Ayr Bowling Club ladies made their return to the green on Tuesday, with an impressive turnout of 14 players. The event was proudly sponsored by Amcal Pharmacy, a longstanding supporter of the club. To mark the beginning of 2025, Amcal Pharmacy generously donated cosmetic products for the ladies. The winners on the day were Katharina Stuckler, Merle Nixon, Sandra Stidston, and Mary Poli, who triumphed over Linda Guimelli, Rhonda Smythe, Heather Jorgensen, and Irene Wilson. In another match,
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After the Christmas break and a spell of wet weather, senior cricketers finally returned to the Nutrien AgSolutions fields for the first matches of 2025 on Saturday. Despite playing on astro turf wickets and enduring intermittent showers, the matches remained highly competitive. Rookies v Peto Marine The Rookies won the toss and elected to bat first. A shaky start saw the team at 2/8 after the first over. However, Dan Olditch steadied the innings with a crucial 52 runs off 39 balls. The hi
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The wet season once again threatened to disrupt cricket fixtures last week, as a heavy shower fell at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last Friday just before matches were set to commence. Fortunately, the rain ceased by 4:30 pm, allowing games to get underway, albeit slightly delayed. The Challengers played on a newly mowed pitch in the outfield of the Barry Richards Field, which made the bounce of the soft ball more predictable and runs easier to score. Aria and Lincoln capitalised on
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On Wednesday 19 February, the Ayr High Community came together to acknowledge the school leaders for 2025. A range of leadership positions were acknowledged including the House Family Representatives for each year level, YR 7 and 11 Scholarship recipients, Yr 11 LIP Leaders, QATSIF Awardees, Sporting House Captains and the School Student Executive. 2025 School Captains, Jack Power and Sophie Robertson outlined their vision for the school in an inspiring speech while new School Vice-Captains co
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The Burdekin Brass Band extends its congratulations to Cecilia Cason and Joe Mau, who have recently returned from the 2025 Queensland Band Association Youth Music Camp in Brisbane. At the camp, Cecilia was selected to perform as Solo Horn, while Joe played E Flat Bass. The event provided both musicians with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of musical styles under the guidance of some of the country's finest conductors. Additionally, they participated in specialised workshops led by ex
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club once again delivered a fantastic Novice/Come & Try Day, with 15 enthusiastic teams competing and enjoying a day of clay target shooting. The weather was ideal, with a consistent breeze making for a great atmosphere. The event saw the club welcome eight new members, bringing the total membership to an impressive 94. The club extends a big thank you to the event sponsors, QCTA - Queensland Clay Target Association, as well as Joe & Sylvia from Joe Caruso Construction.
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Kiera: “I can now get to work – by car! I don't have to get a helicopter or catch the train-bus to work, which is what I was doing for a little while. We were stuck for like a week. And then, well, I was there from Tuesday and we got stuck on Friday, so however long that is. But yeah, I caught a helicopter to Ayr one day, and then on Wednesday and Thursday I caught the Q-Rail-bus from Ayr across Plantation, to then catch the courtesy bus. Because the bus stops across the road at the Comfort Stop
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During a week when Bruce Highway was shut at Plantation Creek, and it didn’t look like the papers would get through, Shae Linton from Home Hill News & Coffee stepped up, got creative, and ensured the local newspaper was delivered. She devised a plan to get the papers by 6am, which was appreciated by the community, especially the elderly who rely on print media. “We'd arranged for the papers to come across Plantation on a semi, but he got held up, and they didn't make it here till lunch time.
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From March 2 there was great flooding in North Queensland, and once again the Burdekin River flooded. Monday, March 4, the Burdekin River was 11ft 6¨ over the railway bridge which was said to be 16 feet high. The Lower Burdekin including Ayr, Giru and Home Hill, were isolated by road and rail to the North, South, and West. To prove that the Lower Burdekin could be supplied by a sea route from Townsville, two representatives of the Telegraph paper – a reporter and a photographer – joined a party
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Well, the rain has given us an overdue break and things are slowly drying out. I hope everyone impacted by the weather event have not suffered too much. While clean-up efforts are still in full swing, I would like to remind people of one of the risks associated with these wet muddy conditions. Melioidosis cases have been on the rise and have very sadly taken the lives of 3 elderly people in the Townsville area. Melioidosis is caused by bacteria in soil that tends to emerge more after heavy r
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In today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape, sugarcane growers must go beyond traditional farming practices to build resilient and profitable businesses. Recognising this need, CANEGROWERS introduced the Business Essentials workshop series, a comprehensive program tailored to empower sugarcane growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture. Now in its fourth year, the program is more flexible than ever, offering a mix of in-person workshops
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This week, Angel-Paws Dog and Cat Rescue is delighted to introduce you to Usher, an incredibly sweet and snuggly tabby boy who’s just waiting to bring joy into a new home. Usher was brought into the care of Angel-Paws when he was just 2 weeks old, along with his siblings. He was tiny and malnourished at the time, but with plenty of love and care, he’s since blossomed into a healthy, playful, and affectionate little fellow. While all of Usher’s siblings have already found their forever homes
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Another week, another organisation interviewed who like everyone else – desperately need volunteers. It’s been a common theme since I took up this role. Whether it’s the SES, The Men’s Shed, VMR, or Sweet FM, volunteers are in short supply. We do our best within these pages to support these organisations, whether it’s the above or Lions, Rotary, BNC, BCA, Scouts, etc by giving them exposure, highlighting the great things they do, hoping someone, anyone, walks through their doors to join. Somet
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The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has been active since the onset of the recent floods, providing support for community recovery, including funding for disaster operations and public asset repairs. Recovery is a complex process affecting not just infrastructure but also people's mental health. Jake Ellwood, CEO of the QRA, was in the Burdekin recently. He discussed the organisation's role in disaster recovery, while giving a recovery timeline as he explains. “I've seen the impacts
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The Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is very excited about celebrating International Women’s Day, by supporting Zonta Club Burdekin Inc IWD Brunch. Zonta’s International Women’s Day Brunch, to be held at the Masonic Heritage Centre, MacMillan Street, Ayr on Sunday the 9th of March, is a day celebrated globally that recognises women’s achievements and raises awareness about gender equality. Some more exciting news is that the event has sold out in one day of tickets being released. This brunch
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Saturday 1st Of March:(1 to 5pm) – Patrol Group A: Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma rickets, Jane Wicks. Sunday 2nd Of March: (9am to 1pm) – Patrol Group G: Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, Jedd Giddy. (1 to 5pm) – Patrol Group F: Lisa Furnell, Jenny Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryler Sartory, Jake Sartory, Kat Sartory, Dave Sartory.
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Jane Baltzars and Erin BrennanEusebio Aguirre (President Burdekin Chamber of Commerce), with Kari Ravizza (Treasurer) Burdekin Chamber of CommerceDeputy Mayor, Max Musumeci, Councillor Amanda Hall, Peter HallLisa Shepherd, Kate Casswell, Lyn McLaughlin, Norm BethellBelinda Mohr, Gwen Marshall all smiles.Anthony & Carolyn SturialeBryn Hicks, Jim AshworthMegan Hippler, Tracy Liotis
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The popularity of Wednesday Night Bowls continues to soar, attracting players of all ages and skill levels to the greens. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the irresistible aroma of the barbecue, keeps both participants and spectators engaged throughout the evening. With lively music playing in the background, the event has become a highlight of the week, offering fun and enjoyment for everyone. Lawn bowls may appear simple, but mastering the game requires skill and precision. One rising sta
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What began as a simple question at the Neighbourhood Centre about a month ago, has blossomed into a wonderful opportunity for community members to socialise and keep their minds active. Sylvia Van Rossum, who is new to the Burdekin area, reached out to the Neighbourhood Centre looking for a local Bridge group to join. As an enthusiastic Bridge player, Sylvia likens Bridge players to golfers, saying, “When you move to a new place, you call around to see if there’s a game you can join.” Although
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Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) has long been a beacon of educational excellence in our community, and the recent 2024 Awards Night held on Thursday evening, was a testament to the outstanding learning and teaching that take place within its classrooms. This prestigious evening celebrated the dedication, hard work, and achievements of both students and staff, showcasing the school's commitment to fostering academic success and personal growth. The Awards Night recognised students who hav
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