Burdekin Catholic High School was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed students back to school for the start of a brand-new school year. With a focus on fostering excellence, supporting student success, and living out Catholic values, the school has been ready to provide a nurturing environment for all learners. Principal, Lorraine Wolffe, shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead, highlighting the school’s commitment to welcoming new students into the BCHS community. “Starting a new school
Read more
The recent tropical low that struck North Queensland, causing widespread flooding, has likely resulted in significant emotional and financial hardship for the local community. To assist those affected, Community Recovery Hubs and State and Commonwealth grants are available for individuals who have been impacted by the disaster. Two recovery hubs have been set up in the Burdekin district, offering support to residents facing hardship, those unable to apply online or by phone, or those in need of
Read more
While sugarcane fields define the Burdekin’s landscape, it’s the region’s property market in 2024 that quietly cultivated sweet success across Regional Queensland. In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market showed notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1 per cent over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Review, Rockhampton led the way with a 9.2 per cent quarterly growth in values, followed by Townsville (8
Read more
The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is pleased to announce that assistance has been secured to help the community cross the Bruce Highway at Plantation Creek. Queensland Rail will be deploying a 10-seater Rail Bus to assist the community after its successful use in Ingham. This service will help residents travel between Ayr and Home Hill while floodwaters impact road access. Passengers will be bused from the Home Hill Comfort Stop to Mirrigan Road, railed across Plantation Cr
Read more.jpg)
Wow, what a challenging fortnight for North Queensland. The constant rain tested a lot of us to different extents. The Burdekin certainly copped its fair share, to all of you thank you for the spirit you’ve shown, neighbours helping neighbours, strangers assisting strangers and many acts of kindness. To the emergency services, local and those deployed in, it was reassuring to have you in the shire. To all other agencies who have taken part in the Local Disaster Management Group meetings, your i
Read more%20(1).jpg)
As we move into the second week of monsoonal rain and flooding, I know many of you are feeling the effects of isolation, low food supplies, and limited movement. It’s understandable that misinformation on social media can be confusing and a bit frightening, especially for our new residents. I encourage everyone to stay safe and stay informed. Please check out the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard for real-time updates and important information: disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au. Having access to accurate a
Read more
Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is committed to supporting local sports in the Burdekin region. Recently, the bank contributed to the Ayr Golf Club, at the time of their celebrations of the club’s milestone 95th anniversary this year. The Ayr Golf Club is a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, boasting an 18-hole, 5,861-metre championship course. With a dedicated membership of 200, the club thrives on the generosity of volunteers who contribute their time and effort. Last year the golf club a
Read more
With Plantation Park and Bruce Highway affected by flooding most weekend and into Monday, several schools in the Burdekin were forced to take alternative action on account of their teachers and students unable to travel safely to and from school. Trans North also advised that no school buses would operate in the Ayr, Giru, Woodstock, Rita Island, Airville, Brandon, Alva Beach, Osborne, Gumlu and Inkerman areas on 10 February as a result. This left some schools with no option but to revert back
Read more
As north Queensland’s cane farmers face a disaster of unprecedented scale, CANEGROWERS is urging the State Government to align with other states by assisting growers with the cost of replanting lost crops. Widespread flooding from Townsville to Cairns, including Australia’s largest cane growing regions around the Burdekin and Herbert River, is expected to decimate recently planted cane. CANEGROWERS is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure affected farmers receive the support t
Read more
Next month’s ABARES Outlook 2025 conference will be a unique event for the Australian agriculture industry, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in cross-cutting conversations around agriculture’s productivity, sustainability, and the possibilities that are ahead. Themed ‘Insights for Action: Fostering Growth in a Changing World,’ the conference will bring together influential Australian and international speakers, including industry leaders, government representatives, and experts
Read more
Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli are words sugarcane farmers worldwide would like to see eradicated; they are the scientific name for the bacterium responsible for ratoon stunting disease (RSD). The bacterium’s potential to wreak havoc is the driving force behind Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR)’s venture to investigate the latest in technologies to combat the disease. Recently this involved a cohort travelling west of cane country to the city of Toowoomba consisting of QCAR CEO Ste
Read more
Filipino native, Sisay McLearn, has been calling Ayr home for just on 15 years now. In that time, she floated between Townsville and Ayr, but has been running a successful kebab business in Ayr for the last five years. “Sometimes I go to Townsville, but my business is here in Ayr, which is close to five years old. But mostly I live here in Ayr and have done so for 15 years,” Sisay smiles. Sisay, who’s also been married for 15 years, has one child and a one-year-old grandchild. She lived i
Read more
Apricot is an incredibly sweet and playful girl who loves to explore and have a little fun. At just 11 months old, she's already raised her adorable babies and is now ready to enjoy her own kitten phase in a forever home. Full of curiosity, Apricot will keep you on your toes with her lively antics. Zoomies around the house are her absolute favorite, and she’s always up for a game of chase. If you’re looking for a mischievous feline who will keep you laughing with her playful personality, Apricot
Read more
Kevin Tuffin, a qualified truck mechanic and Sweet FM presenter for two years, discusses his journey in radio, starting with a Thursday night show introduced by friend Brian Giddy. “I've been a presenter with the radio station for about two years now. You could say, I'm the ‘junior’ member of the team, or what do you call it, the apprentice,” Kevin jokes. “I was introduced to the station by my friend, Brian. He asked me if I wanted to do a show with him on a Thursday night. And I said, ‘Yeah s
Read more
Leeroy: “Listen to the radio so you can stay connected to the news, read the (online) newspaper or watch the television and just keep up to date with what's happening around, because I reckon that's the only way we can find out what's happening around us. There are people going to the communities, reporters and news agencies, and they are the people's eyes and ears, so I recommend everyone should keep their ears and their eyes to the TV and the radio. And first thing would be to take my torch fo
Read more
The past two weeks’ heavy rainfall has unfortunately forced the cancellation of several bowls' games at Ayr Bowling Club. The wet weather has kept players off the green, but the club’s spirit remains strong, and there’s still plenty of exciting news on the horizon. The club hopes all their members are safe and dry. Ayr Bowling Club did manage to get some bowls in on Wednesday. During the day, social bowls was held. Arthur, Pam and Lew defeated Barry, John and Gary in the triples game. In t
Read more
Sunday 16 February 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 19 February Award-Winning Author Guest Speaker Wednesday 5:30pm The community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce social and networking event to hear award-winning author (and Burdekin Life journalist) Mark T. Rasmussen,
Read more
Stormin’ Norm Bethell, a long-time lawn bowler, is involved with the Home Hill Community Sports Club, which has a near 90 year history. The club hosts various community events, including bingo on Thursdays, arts & crafts on Wednesdays, and private functions like birthday parties and even wakes – they’ve had five since the start of this year alone. “I've taken a new venture and stepped back from competitive bowls after 30 years to work with the Home Hill Community Sports Club, which is a fantasti
Read more
Like many other outdoor sports clubs in the north, Home Hill Tennis has felt the impact of the persistent monsoons. Apart from a few dedicated pickleball players sneaking in a quick game one afternoon, the courts have remained quiet. Now, with clearer skies ahead, the club is eager to get back into action! Tennis fixtures kick off next Monday night, February 17, at 7 PM. The first season is designed to align with the crushing season, making it convenient for local cane workers and farmers. It
Read more
The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads are currently recruiting women who are interested in playing Rugby Union or are thinking about giving it a try. Whether someone is a complete beginner or has previous experience, the Canetoads welcome women of all skill levels to join the team. Rugby Union provides an excellent opportunity to stay fit, make new friends, and try something new and exciting. It's a fun and fast-paced sport that challenges players physically, while also offering a strong sense of c
Read more
Recently crowned Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award winner at the Burdekin Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards, Jennifer Fotinos, not only excels in one sport – but three! She’s also represented both state and country in two of them. It’s a phenomenal effort for someone so young. At just 20 years of age, Jennifer has achieved so much already and if her recent successes and attitude are anything to go by, she’ll achieve plenty more before she’s done. While Jennifer first started playing soc
Read more
What a week, huh? So much unrelenting rain I was beginning to understand what Noah must have felt like when he built his Ark. Thankfully, this region didn’t suffer like our cousins up north did, where there’s no signs of it slowing either with yet more rain forecast. It’s a good reminder of what matters and what doesn’t when you see so much devastation. Our sister paper, Hinchinbrook Life, up in Ingham however, lost power in the deluge and floods and will now run a special ‘Flood Edition’ late
Read more
A slow-moving low pressure system brought several days of widespread and heavy rainfall to the Far North Queensland during the week, with many sites recording daily rainfall totals between 200 and 700 mm, and in some locations, 7 day rainfall totals greater than 1000 mm. Many sites across northern Queensland recorded their highest daily, or multi-day rainfall on record. Weekly rainfall totals greater than 300 mm were recorded across the Lower Burdekin districts. Several days of significant ra
Read more
We’ve all experienced that dreaded sinking feeling when we suddenly realise we’ve forgotten something important, whether it’s a phone, keys, or wallet. For local resident Robyn Rose, it happened after a quick shopping trip when she realised she had left her handbag behind. Losing a handbag can be an incredibly stressful and upsetting experience. For Robyn, it was no different. A handbag is not just a place to store belongings; it often holds important items like ID, credit cards, and cash. Howev
Read more
Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce that it is reinforcing its commitment to supporting local developers, property owners, and community members, with dedicated face-to-face consultation opportunities. Starting Friday 31 January 2025, the last Friday of each month will be set aside for focused engagement with both the Planning and Development and Technical Services teams. On these designated Fridays, their Planning and Development and Technical Services Managers will make themselves
Read more