On Saturday 1st February, the Ayr Golf Club had planned a big day of golf and a 95th anniversary dinner at night. Weather conditions way out of our control cancelled the golf play during the day but the dinner went ahead as planned. Not only was it an anniversary dinner, but the Ayr Club agreed at the annual general meeting to honour Karrie Webb, with Honorary Membership and it was presented at the dinner. There was plenty of memorabilia on display from past members for guests to ponder over. I
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Saturday 8th Of February: 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group F) Lisa Furnell, Jenny Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Kat Sartori, Dave Sartori. Sunday 9th Of February: 9am to 5pm (All Day Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kelli Lawry, Zac dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.
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In late June of 2024, the Whittles family spent the night camping near the Burdekin River as part of their travels around Australia, and felt inspired to send up their drone to capture footage of the magnificent Burdekin Bridge. “I’m not really one to find bridges all that fascinating, but there’s something about this bridge that intrigues me,” shared Mark Whittles. “I’m not sure what it is that I find intriguing about it, it’s a big ugly metal structure, it is one of Australia’s biggest brid
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As part of Clare State School’s 75th anniversary celebrations, staff have been dedicating their time to publishing a beautiful book to officially mark the milestone and acknowledge the school’s rich history. One of the sections will list past and present Clare State School teacher aides, cleaners, and administration assistants, however the school has shared they are having difficulty locating the names of some people who previously worked in these roles. Clare State School has kindly asked th
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Last Friday was supposed to mark the start of the second half of the Home Hill Cricket Association's Junior Cricket season, but the North Queensland wet season had other plans. When the season does get underway, the programs cater to children as young as 5 years old and up. The youngest age group, Rookies, meet at East Ayr State School on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 pm. These sessions are for 5-7 years of age and aim to teach the basics of cricket in a fun, engaging way using soft balls. Next i
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1938, a year of historically significant headlines, including German troops marching into Austria (March), the signing of the Munich Pact (September), the birth of Judy Blume (February), and the release of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (February). A 1938 photo picturing an Ayr State School Grade 1 class has been shared online, with many reminiscing on the traditions of the time, noting how far the school’s uniform has evolved over the past 86 years. Can you name any of these students
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Across Australia in 2024, the number of registered players doubled, and the same trend is happening right here in Home Hill, where the club now regularly hosts 24 players each week. Recently, four more permanent pickleball courts were added, making it even easier for more people to join in. This fun, social sport is perfect for all ages. With a smaller court and a focus on reflexes instead of speed, it’s a low-impact and enjoyable activity for anyone looking to get active. Pickleball is played
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Golf enthusiasts, get ready to hit the greens! Ayr Anzac Social Golf will officially begin its 2025 season on Sunday the 23rd of February at the Ayr Golf Club. The 2024 season was concluded on a high note, with 85 players enjoying a game on the Ayr Golf Club green, while the highly anticipated social competition will continue throughout 2025, with games scheduled across both the Ayr and Home Hill Golf Clubs. Mark your calendars for the following dates: • Sunday the 9th of March, Ayr Golf C
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Bowen Polocrosse Club is celebrating its 36th year and is always excited to welcome new players of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time rider, an experienced equestrian, or someone returning to the sport, they’re here to help you have a great time on the field at their Fun Day on March 1st. Polocrosse – the thrilling Aussie sport that combines the best of polo, lacrosse, and netball. Played on horseback by both men and women, this outdoor team sport is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that
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The 2025 preseason for the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads is officially kicking off on Tuesday, the 4th of February at Ayr’s Casalegno Fields! New and returning male and female players are invited to join the Canetoads for an exciting season ahead. Lace up and meet at 6:30pm - bring a friend along for the fun! What: 2025 Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads Preseason When: Tuesday the 4th of February, 6:30pm Where: Casalengo Fields, Ayr More Information: email brucsecretary@outlook.com Caption: 202
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The Home Hill Tennis Association is gearing up to host the 2025 Home Hill Sugar Bowl, one of North Queensland’s most iconic tennis team events, from Saturday, the 3rd of May to Monday, the 5th of May. Held annually since 1981, this three-day competition takes place over the May Day long weekend and attracts over 40 teams from across the state. Known for its unique scoring system, the Sugar Bowl champions are determined by the highest number of games played across the weekend. Teams will compete
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The Burdekin Netball Association has excitingly set the date for 2025’s highly anticipated Burdekin Junior Netball Carnival for the weekend beginning Saturday the 24th of May. The 2024 Burdekin Junior Netball Carnival was hailed as the most successful in its history, with a record 60 teams competing in the two-day event. The carnival annually brings young netballers from across the region together for a fierce weekend of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit, cementing its place as o
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A sudden incident involving juvenile offenders has left the Burdekin community on high alert and extremely concerned following suspicions the area will continue to experience a frightening crime wave. In 2022 – 2023, 82,677 offenders were prosecuted against by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), a 2% increase from the previous yearly period, and the first increase since 2015. The quantity of car thefts, breaking and entering incidents, and traffic incidents that have circulated online over t
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The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival (BRWF) was a festival unlike any other in the area. Drawing acclaimed Australian authors and a wide audience from both Queensland and interstate, tourism and local businesses flourished in the Burdekin as a result. However, like most events in Australia and around the world, covid hit, forcing organisers to cancel the 2020 event, despite having several prominent writers who’d accepted and were keen to attend. Before covid scuppered the 2020 BRWF, the fes
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On Sunday, 26 January, The Burdekin Shire Council announced their Australia Day Award winners in front of a near full house at the Burdekin Theatre. The event, which was also open to the public, celebrated the achievements of many individuals and organisations, who have all benefitted the Burdekin in one form or another through significant contributions. All the honourees, special guests, friends and family, waited in the foyer as the Burdekin Brass Band belted out beautiful tune after beautifu
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Allan Darwen was working hard under the harsh Queensland sun last month, completing mowing and yard maintenance jobs just like every other workday, when one kind stranger decided to make this hot afternoon a little brighter. “So this afternoon, a bloke pulls up while we (Allan and Simon) are doing a yard, and I thought, old mate will want a last minute mow… but nope,” shared Allan online. “He said, mate, I’ve seen you on Facebook, and I see you two blokes around going hard, so I thought I’d sh
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This week I got a lot of calls – the most I’ve had since being the local journo here. Some people called to inform me about the native wildlife. “There’s no crocs out there… or pigs!” the caller exclaimed. He was calling to express his thoughts about a street interviewee that he thought was incorrect, who mentioned crocs and pigs in Wujunga. Then yet another one more ringing to tell me that the Telstra shop closing is not good and I should write about that, as well as putting in a story to ge
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In what he describes as a win-win, both agriculture and the environment in the Burdekin will benefit from a funding boost to Regional Natural Resource Management groups according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. Mr Last announced the funding, which delivers on an election commitment in his role as Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, but said he was equally as proud of what would be achieved within the Burdekin electorate. “This funding confirms the Crisafulli government’s focus on e
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“I am honoured to have been endorsed once again as the LNP Candidate for the seat of Dawson. It's a privilege to be entrusted by the local party members, with a unanimous vote of confidence, and I am ready to work hard and fight even harder for the betterment of our region and our country.” “I understand my role is to represent the good people of Dawson in Canberra, and I am determined to fight for our fair share of funding and services.” “The upcoming federal election is the most important
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The new school year offers many opportunities for growth and learning, it can also present many uncertainties. From children's mental health and wellbeing, to bullying and navigating difficult social situations, going back to school can be stressful for parents and children alike as anxiety mixes with excitement. The Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) has put together six strategic points to help children and their guardians navigate negative social challenges such as isolation and bullying.
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What are they? Where have they come from? How did they get here? A strange device was discovered along the Alva Beach shoreline by Gavan Lamb last Wednesday, the 22nd of January and the community was left puzzled as to how an echo sounder satellite buoy made its way to the Burdekin. “I often walk the beach which is where I found this buoy plastic thing,” explained Gavan. “I dragged it home and pulled it apart and the batteries were corroded so it’s been floating around for a while, so it’s kin
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Hi Kids (and Big kids), Terrylicious, Burdekin Life’s canetoad back again to announce the winners. Well, well, well, seems we had some eagle-eyed little (and big) detectives last week. Maybe I didn’t hide myself well enough? But I was glad to be found seen waving my little Aussie flag ahead in support of Australia Day, especially as no one found me last month. Winners Well done to the dynamic duo of Evie (8) & Jai (6) Giardina, who spotted me ahead of everyone else, including adults. This brothe
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The Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin team did a double rescue on the weekend within the space of 12 hours. The first call was from a vessel that sent a triple zero call and had run aground on the beach in front of Plantation Creek. VMR sent a crew out in their RIB (rigid inflatable boat), but unfortunately, they got caught in the tide, so they had to wait for the tide to go out to be able to rescue them. The rescue helicopter found the two guys and left them with enough food and water until VM
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Happy New Year to you all and I hope this finds everyone getting back into it for another year. School is back (thank goodness say some parents) and business will return to some normality. The weekend saw us celebrate Australia Day and with that, my fellow councillors and I attended the Australia Day Awards Ceremony. Once again, we were privileged to see and hear what some of our residents have contributed to our community. We have sport stars that have represented us at state and international
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To all who became Australian citizens on Sunday, congratulations on choosing Australia as your home. Whatever the reasons that brought you to our beautiful country, I hope you feel proud to call it your own. I was reminded of the stories my grandparents shared about their journey to Australia and the hardships they faced along the way. Having travelled extensively myself, I felt deeply grateful that they chose this wonderful nation as our home. I am, and always will be, proud to be an Aussie. Th
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