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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It’s often the unsung heroes – the State Emergency Service (SES) – who are first to respond. First to rescue. First to clean up. First to help. First to support the community any way they can. During the Burdekin's recent floods, they completed 140 jobs, a similar number to Cyclone Kirrily last year. While they receive plenty of praise, pats on the back, or free food and accommodation, what they need most is more volunteers. In a sign of the times, volunteering nationally is down 10% everywhere
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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has hailed a boost in planning scheme funding coupled with the axing of stamp duty for first home buyers as a win in the region’s battle to address the housing supply. As of May 1, eligible first home buyers looking to build a new home as well as those looking to purchase an existing home will save thousands of dollars with the abolishment of stamp duty after the bill was passed during the first sitting of parliament for this year. Mr Last said the move to keep mo
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Monday 24 February Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club Youth of the Year Quest Monday 6:30pm The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club Annual Youth of the Year Quest will be held on Monday the 24th of February to stage the public speaking talents of students in Year 12! Call John on 0447 561 790 for more information. Crown Hotel, Home Hill Friday 28 February BNC Burdekin Parkinson's Support Group Friday 9:30am The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will host a support group for those experiencing Parkinson’s in their
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At just 17, Nicole Cervoni is making a remarkable impact on her community. Growing up in the small rural town of Millaroo, she has been actively involved from a young age, organising raffles and cent sales before joining the Youth Council, where she has served for the past year. “I've only been at the Council for a year, but every time Tammy asked for volunteers, I said, ‘Yep, I'll do it,’ and I really enjoyed it,” Nicole shared. “It's an incredible experience for any young person.” Her dedi
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Craig Martin, a musician from Liverpool, England, is performing his ‘Morning Melodies’ show at the Burdekin Theatre on March 5. The show features classic British pop and rock songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, including hits from The Beatles, The Kinks, and Tom Jones, and features over 20 hit songs. “I always loved music, and I had an older brother who was five years older than me. He had a huge influence on me and when you're a teenage, you always look up to them and take notes of what your old
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In a joint press conference held at the still flooded Plantation Park, and standing next to the Bruce Highway, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, led calls for urgent road upgrades after North Queensland was again cut off from the rest of the state and country.
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With the recent floods cutting access on the Bruce Highway between Home Hill and Ayr, many people were left marooned, finding themselves stranded on either side of the river. Doctors, nurses, patients, teachers, students, workers, didn’t matter – everyone was stuck!
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