On 11 December, The Home Hill Surgery was thrilled to celebrate a milestone – their 10th anniversary – since the irrepressible and lovable, Dr Tata, has taken over the practice. It has been an incredible journey, and one they couldn’t have done without the local community’s support, who’ve seen the practice go from one doctor, to two, to now six! Quite remarkable when you consider that most regional and rural areas are lucky to have one doctor, and even then that’s usually a locum – a temporary
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Ready to brighten your day and support a great cause? Then head on down to 12 Patricia Road, Ayr, where you can pick your own sunflowers for a donation, with all the money collected going into research for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Australia. Started up by a local man who wanted to remain anonymous, during a brief conversation, he said he was doing it after one of his good friends lost their child to CDH. “Basically, anything I can do that might help save a life, whether it’s money
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So as another year is almost over, last minute Chrissie gifts are checked off, and we step into 2025 (how did we get there so quickly?), from me, Trish, Chelsea and the rest of the Burdekin Life team, we want to thank everyone from the local community, the Burdekin Shire Council, community and support groups, sports teams and clubs, and especially advertisers, for your continued support and commitment to the paper. Without it, the Burdekin Life Newspaper would cease to exist. In my short time h
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Staff at the Ayr Hospital took time to recognise some of their longest serving staff with a special morning tea function on Friday, 13th December, last week. Eight staff across the whole nursing, medical, operational and administration service groups, were presented with certificates and commemorative pins by Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, highlighting their milestone years of service. Notably, clinical nurse, Suzette Marano, who primarily works within the emergency department, was
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It may have been the tenth year of Member for Burdekin Dale Last's Christmas Appeal, but the generosity of Burdekin residents has again left him both humbled and proud to represent such a great community. Hopes of ensuring the tenth year of the Christmas appeal could be the biggest yet have been exceeded with donations of non-perishable food and toys pouring in over recent weeks at the Burdekin Electorate Office. Mr Last said despite costs of living continuing to impact family budgets it was
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Born and raised in India, Joshi Kota, who has worked in the U.S and U.K, where he spent many years studying and practicing, comes with a wealth of experience. Having recently moved to the Burdekin in October, he is now Home Hill Surgery’s new physiotherapist. “I first met Dr. Tata, while I was working in the U.S before he invited me to join him in here in Home Hill,” Joshi says. Joshi has been a physio since 2018, with experience in dealing with musculoskeletal pain management, sports injuries
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For the second year in a row, the Burdekin Christian College and Zonta Club, has organised a Christmas Dress-Up Day and Christmas Pop-Up Treat Shop, in order to raise money for charity. Towards the end of Term 4, BCC staff and their students joined in the Christmas spirit wearing their best Christmas costumes. The Z-Club also held a Christmas Pop-Up Treat Shop with lots of treats and goodies, which were sold on the day to the delicious delight of many. There were also prizes awarded for the
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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce met for their final time this year, on Wednesday night, 11 December. The Chamber hosted guest speakers: Rachael Smith, the Editor-in-Chief of Core Publishing (and Burdekin Life); Burdekin Life’s new journalist, Mark T. Rasmussen; Home Hill State School principal, Sharon O’Neill and teacher, Louis Nicholas. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, councillor, Amanda Hall, and several other prominent guests and members, were also in attendance. Rachael Smith spoke about the be
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Maria, owner of Maria Porter’s Bakehouse Treats, had a passion for cooking ever since she was a young girl when she used to watch her mum bake. Despite not being allowed in her mum’s kitchen, it only ignited Maria’s passion for cooking all the more. “My love for cooking began in my early 20s. I was self-taught, reading cookbooks but also watching my own mother cook in the kitchen,” Maria muses. “I've been cooking for 42 years now, and here at home in Ayr for the last eight since I had spinal su
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As we approach the holiday season, I had the great honour of attending the 10-year celebration of Home Hill Surgery. Congratulations to Dr. Tarta, his wife, and their family for their contributions to the Burdekin community. Their dedication has enriched our region, and we are truly fortunate to have them here. This time of year is a reminder to prepare ourselves and our families as many businesses will close over the holidays. Ensure you’ve filled your medical prescriptions, stocked your pantry
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I can't believe I am saying there is only 6 days until Christmas! We hear so often how the years go by faster and faster and I think most people would agree that it feels that way, but there is still the same amount of time in a day, so what has changed? I think most of us are busier than we ever have been and if you want to get ahead in life, it often is the only option. That is one thing about Christmas though, for most people it gives us that chance to slow down and take a minute to catch up
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CANEGROWERS has launched the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, an essential tool created in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This industry-specific guide aims to enhance road transport safety and streamline compliance for sugarcane growers and transport operators. The new resource addresses a long-standing need for updated and practical advice tailored to the sugarcane industry. It equips operators with the knowledge to ensure safer, more efficient tr
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Well, what a baptism of fire the season has been for myself! Harvesting and crushing in December certainly has its challenges – growers, contractors and millers are all having their patience tested as the weather and drop in cane quality now consistently interrupt operations. The amount of effort, investment into machinery and time, the initiative of growers and contractors – the single-minded attitude to get the crop off really is a credit to all involved! The district is really playing Russian
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As planting and spraying operations increase across Queensland this summer, all chemical users are reminded of their responsibility to minimise spray drift and protect surrounding areas. Key tips for responsible spraying include checking weather conditions, using appropriate equipment, keeping detailed spray application records and communicating with neighbours about nearby crops that may be at risk. DPI and Cotton Australia are partnering to promote best practices, including reading chemical
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Ayr State High School recently said an emotional goodbye to six valued staff members who were farewelled with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. The school community expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the contributions each individual made to the school during their time with the Ayr High family. As the departing staff members move on to the next chapter of their careers, the school extended their best wishes, acknowledging the positive impact they have had on both students and the sch
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The Burdekin Christian College and Zonta Club’s final fundraising initiative for the year, was the highly successful ‘Christmas Appeal’ for the Burdekin Community Association (BCA). Through the generosity of the Burdekin Christian College (BCC) teachers, students, and their families, many baskets of non-perishable food and other items, were filled to the brim and will be given to those suffering hardships and distress within the wider local Burdekin community via BCA. Rachel Cornelius (Z-Club
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After 55 years in education, much admired teacher, John Eade, has decided to call it a day. Teaching took John all over Queensland, but it was his love of the Burdekin that saw John finish up the last seven years at St. Francis Primary School in Ayr. He went to Teachers College in 1969, before teaching in various locations including Stafford Heights, Burketown, Richmond, Townsville, and finally Home Hill. “After college, my first year was really good. That was at Stafford Heights, where I coul
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Bella Lawry has been selected as Ayr State High School’s 2025 Girl STEM Power Ambassador, a prestigious and celebrated title responsible for providing students with exciting and enriching STEM initiatives in 2025. STEM stands as an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and Bella’s interest in the sector sparked at an early age through educational opportunities provided at East Ayr State School. “I have always loved STEM subjects, even at primary school,” Bella explained.
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A wave of community spirit flooded the Ayr Golf Course last Friday for a monumental 2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic event. With 274 people on the green forming 68 teams ready to tee off bright and early on Friday 13th December. Organisers, Ben Smith, Kelsey Shand, Adriel Burley and Queensland CORES coordinator, Ross Romeo could not have hoped for a better day. “I don’t know how to put it into words to be honest,” shared Kelsey. “Ben and I are so thankful the community came together to support
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Thursday 19 December Festive Biscuits Decorating School Holiday Activity Thursday 10:30am Craving some tasty treats? The Home Hill Library will also be holding a fabulous Festive Biscuits Decorating session on Thursday, 19 December from 10:30am to 11:30am. Bookings essential https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents. Home Hill Library Thursday 19 December Christmas Confessions Thursday 6pm The community is invited to come and experience the love and mercy of Jesus. St. Colman’s Church, Home Hill
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The festivities are well and truly alive across the Burdekin region, and many locals have crafted wonderful front yard light displays, spreading joy one bright bulb at a time. An evening drive around the region may just be the perfect way to spend your Christmas Eve – perhaps it’s a treasured family tradition of yours already, and we have pieced together a lovely list of a few standout light displays across Ayr, Home Hill, Giru and Brandon, for you and your family to enjoy this December. If
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The Burdekin’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural diversity will take centre stage from the weekend beginning Friday 30th May 2025, as the highly anticipated Burdekin Cultural Fair returns to the region. As hosted by the Home Hill Showgrounds, the free event will bring locals and visitors together to celebrate the many cultures that make up the vibrant Burdekin community. Kicking off from 6pm, the evening promises something for everyone, with a wide range of cultural activities for kids to
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Fortune, a homegrown four-piece band of talented musicians, continues to make waves and wow audiences from the Burdekin region and beyond. With lead singer, Eliza Worlein, at the microphone, Patrick Hill on the bass guitar, Damian Torrisi on the drums, and Kai Meloni on the electric guitar, Fortune has grown from a routine jam session “what if?” to a booked and busy ensemble. “We have been fortunate to play at some amazing venues and events and have had great opportunities in the last fourteen
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A wonderful celebration of community spirit will fill Ayr on Thursday evening for the Burdekin Chamber’s Queen Street Christmas Party! The festivities will kick off from 5pm on Thursday 19th December and the bustling precinct will come alive with plenty of activities for families of all ages to enjoy including a petting zoo, live entertainment, face painting, and more! If you’re yet to score a spectacular gift to give this Christmas, the party will see Queen Street businesses keep their front d
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With almost seven years of experience under her belt, Caitlin Holmes continues to reach new levels of success within her rugby union career, with 2024 hosting a world of opportunities for both personal and professional growth with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads. “The 2024 season has definitely been a very social one for myself, and I’m sure a few of the ladies from our rugby team as the friendships gained through not only this year, but my past years of playing rugby, will always be part of
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