As severe wet weather continues to hamper the Burdekin region, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has warned locals not to be complacent as multiple reports of motorists driving through flooded roads continues to occur. Mr Last said despite multiple warnings from authorities to stay off roads, reports of people driving through flooded roads has left local emergency services and community members risking their lives to help. “Make no mistake this is a significant weather event and, while the Burdek
Read more
“I was due to fly to Canberra for the first sitting of Parliament this week but I have made the decision to remain here for now, to support the people and provide any Federal assistance I can through this devastating event,” The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said. “The Townsville region is facing one of the most significant flood emergencies since the catastrophic events of 2019. “Sadly a woman has tragically died after an SES rescue boat capsized during a rescue in Far North Que
Read more
Are you passionate about improving healthcare in the Burdekin? The Townsville Hospital and Health Service is calling on community members to share their voices and make a difference by joining the Burdekin Consumer Advisory Network (CAN). The Burdekin CAN offers a platform for locals to contribute ideas for improvement, highlight what’s working well, and advocate for the specific needs of the community. It’s an opportunity to play an active role in shaping hospital and health services that bett
Read more.jpg)
This is my first column for the year so welcome everyone to 2025. The weather has already reminded us we live in the North Queensland tropics as we experienced weeks of hot and humid over Christmas and the New Year. The heatwave finally broke and it did so in a very wet way as I am listening to heavy rain and like many residents, am unable to leave my house as I write this. We are fast approaching budget preparation at council, and although it is a big task, it is something I enjoy participati
Read more%20(1).jpg)
Our thoughts are with the families and communities currently facing the floodwaters entering their homes. It’s a distressing time, with loss and uncertainty weighing heavily on many. Our volunteers are the backbone of these efforts, often working long hours with little recognition and no pay. The number of volunteers continues to decline, and the reality is, they cannot do it alone. This situation puts into perspective just how vital our volunteers are. From emergency response to recovery effor
Read more
At 3.00pm on Sunday 12 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Seaforth Road, Jarvisfield. The driver, a 29yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) disqualified driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving an uninsured vehicle and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 28 January. At 4.00pm on Tuesday 14 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle Plantation Park, Ayr. The driver, a 49yr old Townsville woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in
Read more
Inka is a sweet-natured and easy-going young pup who loves nothing more than lounging in the sun and watching the world go by. She enjoys playtime with her foster siblings and gets along wonderfully with a variety of animals in her foster home. With her friendly and gentle nature, she’s a perfect match for families with kids, and she especially loves splashing in the water and trying out new games. Still a young pup, Inka is working on her training, but with her excellent listening skills, she’
Read more%20Gillian%20Basnett.JPG)
As Australia fights to protect its most vulnerable wildlife, the use of 1080 baiting remains a controversial yet critical tool in managing major threats to native species. While some conservationists advocate for its role in reducing predation pressure, concerns persist over its impact on non-target species and the need for alternative control measures.
Read more
The State Government has unveiled a 25-year blueprint to future-proof Queensland’s primary industries, reinforcing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy. With a strong vision for growth, the plan aims to increase Queensland’s agricultural output to $30 billion by 2030. By working in close partnership with farmers, industry leaders, and regional communities, the government aims to set a strategic direction complemented by five-year operational plans tailored to regional and sector
Read more
Applications are now open for the 2025 Backing the Future program, which offers $50,000 grants to individuals in remote, rural, and regional Queensland. The funding is aimed at supporting people aged 18 and over who are working on innovative projects designed to improve the lives of young people aged 12-30 in these communities. What sets the Backing the Future program apart is that it funds individuals, not just organisations. This removes one of the common barriers to accessing funding and giv
Read more
When the shelves at the supermarket run bare after a big storm or supply chain hiccup, there’s one place that never lets you down—your own backyard. Growing your own vegetables isn’t just about saving a few dollars or enjoying fresher produce; it’s about resilience, self-sufficiency, and knowing that when the world throws a curveball, you’ve still got food on the table. If you’ve ever felt the urge to swap grocery store dependency for a greener, more reliable alternative, it might be time to di
Read more
A sugar cane advocacy group is working with the Queensland Government's disaster preparedness team, as severe weather threatens cane-farming communities across the state's north. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan attended a government briefing last week to ensure the industry’s concerns were heard as authorities ramped up their efforts to prepare for and monitor the unfolding weather event. Heavy rainfall inundated large parts of the region, with cane-growing communities such as Gordonvale, Hi
Read more
By Owen Menkens CANEGROWERS Chairman There’s something truly special and iconic about sugarcane. Grown along 2000km of Australian coastline, from Grafton in northern New South Wales to the fringes of the Daintree in the tropical far north, it’s been a cornerstone of Queensland’s identity for over 150 years. In fact, so foundational is this industry that it even features on our state’s Coat of Arms. Yet, as iconic as it is, sugarcane isn’t just part of our history – it’s a dynamic, future-fo
Read more
Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing The wash-up of the 2024 season is all but done, with only a portion of growers still to price out the balance of their 2024 crop. The recent recovery in prices following the dip due to India announcing 1 million tonnes of export quota is welcome. We still see tight trade flow for raw and whites into this quarter which may stretch into the second quarter depending on how quickly Brazil comes back online and the current Indian and Thai crop cut out.
Read more
Joining a club isn't just about exploring something you're passionate about or picking up a new hobby; it's also about connecting with others, building relationships, and immersing yourself in your local community. Clubs offer a unique opportunity to meet people who share your interests and values, and often, these connections can evolve into long-lasting friendships. A great example of this is The Burdekin Brass Band. By becoming a member, you'll not only be joining a community of like-minded
Read more
Troy Everett, Cultural Venues Manager at the Burdekin Shire Council, recently discussed the significance of the Burdekin Theatre and Memorial Hall in fostering the arts in the region. Long considered a jewel in the crown, the venues are top-class. The Burdekin Theatre seats 475, while the Memorial Hall can accommodate 490. The Burdekin Theatre also has the extra bonus of being able to use the beautiful forecourt along with its foyer. The Theatre hosts anything from world-class shows, events,
Read more
The Lower Burdekin Scouts started 2025 early in January, when two members attended the Jamboree at Maryborough – a 10-day camp packed with fun and activities. This was followed by a night for our Group in Plantation Park, and a walk around Ayr to visit some of the Heritage sites. A few days later, several of the Scouts and adults attended the Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Burdekin Theatre on Australia Day. People aged 5 to 85 can come “Try Scouts” for four nights for free and begin to le
Read more
The 109 Squadron Burdekin Air Force Cadets is now recruiting for 2025, offering young individuals an exciting opportunity to grow in confidence, leadership, and teamwork. If your child is turning 13 this year, in at least Grade 7, and under 15 years of age, this program could be the perfect fit for them. Air Force Cadets is a youth-oriented organisation supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. Cadets engage in an array of activities, including aerospace training, field skills, survival tech
Read more
The Rotary Club of Home Hill is dedicated to making a positive impact in our Home Hill community and beyond. Through service projects, fundraising efforts, and community events, they work together to support local initiatives, assist those in need, and contribute to global humanitarian efforts. Rotary is more than just a club—it’s a network of individuals who believe in giving back. Whether it’s supporting local schools and clubs, improving community facilities and ways of life, or raising funds
Read more
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The Service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of: • Food parcels • Toiletries • Vouchers (food, clothes, chemist, transport) • Prepaid cards • Payment of third-party accounts Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family vio
Read more
How can we talk about anything else but the weather? However, we would like to approach it from the perspective of resilience. We send our thoughts to our regional communities who are baring the brunt of this weather event. For seasoned Nth Qlder’s, a rainy summer is par for the course, a larger than normal downfall is always on the cards and to be prepared for. We all have a duty to look out for each other and help where we are able. We also have a duty to ourselves to build our resilie
Read more
Debra Harwood, a 57-year-old mother of three and grandmother to 14, has lived in Ayr and the Burdekin area for over 30 years. Originally born in Mackay, Debra, who works at the Ayr State Primary School tuck shop by day, and Woolies at night stocking shelves, is surrounded by children almost 24/7. “I was a volunteer at the tuck shop for a couple of years first before I eventually took it over, but since then it’s just been me. Though, I’ve just handed over tuck shop duties to my youngest daught
Read more
We all have our stories or adventures that we tell, but for Sweet FM’s historian, Glenis Cislowski, telling stories brings on a whole new level. You see Glenis goes back in time, getting lost among the old stories told from a bygone era and bringing them back into the now. It’s something she thrives on, and has done since she first became interested in the stories of others and their history. Part of what was formerly called ‘Nostalgia Hour,’ these days you’ll find Glenis regaling listeners wit
Read more
Robert: “The park down there in Ayr, Plantation Park, that’d be one place I really recommend a tourist go visit. It not only looks really nice with that small river system running through it, which also cascades but it’s very, very tropical. I’ve been there myself and enjoy it. Alva Beach is also a great place to go and see. You can go fishing out there or swim, it’s a good spot to visit if you go there as it’s a quiet little beach town. They'd be the two places I’d suggest new visitors go and s
Read more
Thursday 6 February BNC Burdekin Senior Computer Club Thursday 9:30am The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will host an educational computer club to support seniors’ journey into the digital age. Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Saturday 8 February Annual Alva Beach Golf Day Saturday Midday Get your teams together for one of Alva Beach’s most anticipated events of the year! With tee off scheduled for just after lunch, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club annually hosts an action-packed day to remember topp
Read more