%20(1).jpg)
Over the last fortnight, I have had the privilege of attending two significant events that underscore the strength of our local community and the vital connections that shape our future. The Industry Breakfast was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local leaders, businesses and community stakeholders. On Monday morning, I attended the Port Authority Breakfast, a special event marking the 160th anniversary of our Port. This milestone is a testament to the crucial role the Port has played in
Read more
Angelo Licciardello, QCAR Burdekin District Manager The last two weeks has been a very interrupted period of harvesting and crushing. The first lot of rain that began on November 20 played the major part to the initial disruption; then with some planned cleaning and stoppages from chokes, the output of factories was greatly reduced. The rain over the weekend has really highlighted the dramatic affects a late start and a late finish have on a district that so heavily relies on the sugar crop. U
Read more
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As we move into December and the much-anticipated drop off in the Brazilian 2024 crush, the ICE #11 contract continues to trade in shallow downtrend pattern. The recent UNICA report covering the first half of November crush finally saw the season to date numbers drop below last year’s record cumulative total. The data was roughly in line with expectations and the consensus for total Brazilian sugar out is narrowing into the mid to high 39 million tonne
Read more
Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 91,470 2,830,710 Pioneer 43,063 1,348,788 Kalamia 37,250 1,482,456 Inkerman 68,366 1,693,908 Burdekin 240,149 7,355,862 CCS Invicta 12.74 14.34 Pioneer 13.16 14.31 Kalamia 11.82 13.82 Inkerman 13.37 14.09 Burdekin 12.85 14.18 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 50% 13.29 Q232 7% 12.06 KQ228 23% 12.42 Q183 7% 14.05 Q208 9% 12.82 WSRA17 2% 11.86 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just over 240,000 tonnes of cane f
Read more
Henry Peterson, is better known as the "Mango Man," in Burdekin. He’s been in the mango business for 45 years. When he started back in about 1980-1981, he began by picking mangoes for $1 a bucket before he eventually established his own mango farm. “When I was in Home Hill, a bloke said, ‘I'll give you $1 a bucket, and then a $1 a tray, to pick that tree’. So I got a ladder, threw it up and went picking. In the end, he gave me $40. I thought, geez, that was easy money, I could make a living ou
Read more
Up to $32.6 million over 4 years will be invested in the future of Australia’s sugarcane industry with research and development projects set to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry. Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investing in a diverse portfolio of novel and strategic research activities. The new projects will target improved efficiency, competitiveness, sustaina
Read more
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) enjoyed a great Christmas Luncheon with clients and volunteers on Monday 02.12.24. 178 people attend the luncheon held at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club. Over 40 Lucky Door prizes, raffle prizes and best Christmas outfit prizes were won by lucky participants. BCA also gave the 38 Volunteers in attendance, a gift bag of goodies and $20 gift voucher to thank them for their service throughout the year. We are very grateful to the many businesses and indiv
Read more
The Burdekin Theatre is delighted to launch six brand new shows for next year. All six new shows will be part of the highly anticipated annual QLD Morning Melodies tour. These shows are voted on, and they will visit many other performing venues across Queensland during their 2025 runs. All shows are $15 per person, which includes a free morning tea provided by the Friends of the Burdekin Theatre. The final show, ‘Home for Christmas’ will be provided free by the Burdekin Shire Council. The six
Read more
Burdekin residents and businesses looking to save energy and money will have an opportunity to consult the experts from Ergon Energy Retail face-to-face next week. The Ergon Retail team will have a stand outside Home Hill News & Coffee from 8am-12pm on Tuesday 10 December. Ergon Retail Operations Manager Ryan Lloyd said the team would be sharing practical tips tailored to each customer’s unique situation. “If you’re running a farm or business, we can have a chat about tariff options and h
Read more
You cannot help but fall in love with the idea of spending a picture-perfect Sunday strolling around the quaint market stalls manned by passionate local and travelling creators and entrepreneurs. Coffee in one hand, and dog lead in another, bring along your friends and family for a morning of sunshine, socialisation and retail therapy as you browse the talents on show at the brilliant Burdekin Plantation Park Markets. Held on the first and third Sunday of each month, the Burdekin Plantation
Read more
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary event as the Burdekin Race Club celebrates its 100th anniversary of Home Hill racing on Saturday, 7 December. The milestone stands testament to a rich history of community, tradition, and thrilling race-day action with locals invited to revel in the once-in-a-lifetime celebration this weekend! Established in 1924, the Burdekin Race Club has stood as a cornerstone within the community, holding five annual race events annually including the Burdekin Growers
Read more
Jim Nuttall, owner of Nuttall’s Garden Centre, has been in the nursery business for 20 years, following a 50-year business legacy started by his father, who ran the local hardware business. “I love business, I love figures, and I've got an accounting degree, but I started with my father, James Raff Nuttall, back in 1968,” Jim says. “He actually invented the ‘return spray system’ for cane farmers, and created the cattle spray, ‘Ready Rect’ and got a grant for a mobile spray, which was widely p
Read more
Friday 6 December Saint Nicholas Day Friday 5:30pm Come along for Children’s craft, Christmas Stocking making a Sausage sizzle and Carols. Embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy. Ayr Presbyterian Church Grounds Saturday 7 December CORES’ Suicide Prevention Training Saturday 9am Equip yourself with life-saving skills through CORES’ FREE Suicide Prevention Training workshop. 164 MacMillian Street, Ayr Saturday 7 December Burdekin Race Club 100 Year Celebration Saturday 11:30am The Burdekin Rac
Read more
Local Pre-season training has begun. and a mixture of seasoned senior players and Under16 and Under14 players have turned up. Training will continue up until 19 December then start again on 2 January. Thursday nights at International Park from 6pm. All new and returning players are welcome. Only Night Soccer is left on the local Calendar. Next Tuesday, 10 December is Semi-finals night, and the Grand Finals are on Friday 13 December. Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 13 and
Read more
The End of Harvest Golf Classic is shaping up to be a spectacular event, with plenty of activities and excitement planned for next Friday, 13 December. Organisers are urging teams to finalise their registrations quickly, as only three spots remain. Due to the popularity of the event, nominations cannot be accepted on the day. The finalised draw will be released next week and shared via the End of Harvest Golf Classic’s Facebook page. Bray Slushy Bar Platinum sponsor Bray will feature a Slushy B
Read more
In light of the extraordinary, community driven initiative of honouring 1932 Ayr murder victim, Jean Morris nearing completion, many locals are fascinated with the story behind the historical Queen Street event, particularly Henry Petersen and Paula Dawson. Both Henry and Paula set out to honour the young woman who until recently, resided in a 93-year-old unmarked grave in the Ayr cemetery. Anna Philomena Morgan, born in 1913, lived a life shrouded in mystery and tragedy. In her early years,
Read more
Saturday 7 December 1pm to 5pm (Super Sub Patrol) Joshua Furnell, Barry Cross, and Brooke Cross. Sunday 8 December 9am to 1pm (Patrol Group B) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, and Danny Wilson. Sunday 8 December 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Richards, and Jedd Giddy. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
Read more
A morning of fitness and fun unfolded at Plantation parkrun on Saturday for event #306. Leading the pack was Terry Brennan, crossing the finish line in a time of 26:25. Close behind was Precious Rush, completing the course in 27:11 with an impressive performance. John Byers secured the third spot, finishing his run in 30:28. Further down the field, Keith Crichton completed the course in 48:39, demonstrating great determination. Finally, Travis Crichton wrapped up the event with a time of 59:54
Read more
The Burdekin Canetoads are celebrating another remarkable achievement, with Caitlin Holmes earning a well-deserved spot in the TRDU Women’s Team of the Year. Caitlin's exceptional talent and dedication has shone throughout the season, from competing in July’s Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships to being selected for the Women’s Brolgas Team in April. Congratulations, Caitlin!
Read more
On Friday 29 November, the Burdekin Touch Football Association celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 U14 Mixed Competition! The competition hosted plenty of action, with Baywatch teams showcasing their skills in both A and B grade clashes. In the A grade match, Baywatch dominated with an impressive 8-2 victory over the Gold Diggers. Vern Pope and Gordon Malayta led the charge, each scoring two tries, while Harvey Sgroi secured both tries for the Gold Diggers. The B grade game was a closer cont
Read more
The Ayr Bowling Club celebrated its final Fun Friday Night for 2024 with a lively evening of camaraderie and competition. The weather cooperated, allowing a full green of bowlers to enjoy the last event of the year. The club extends its gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, Chiropractic Care (Northwood’s) and Sparkle Town Carwash (Strano’s), for their generous support. The event was a resounding success, filled with laughter and spirited play. Winners on the night were Jared Poletti, Ella Northw
Read more
The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a fantastic President, Secretary, and Treasurer Ham Day on Sunday, 1 December, with 44 bowlers competing in triples and pairs. Players from Giru, Ayr, Home Hill, South Townsville, and even Holbrook, NSW, came together to support the event, making it a memorable occasion despite a brief delay due to storms. The winners of the day were Meryl Smith (Home Hill Bowls Club) and Anthony Bull (Ayr Bowls Club), joined by President Jamie Woods for a celebratory photo. Second
Read more
It was a lively week at the Home Hill Bowls Club, with members braving warm spring days to enjoy friendly competition on the greens. On Thursday, 28 November, eighteen players gathered for three closely contested games of triples, played over 18 ends. The warm conditions were eased by a welcome breeze later in the day, creating a pleasant atmosphere for play. On Rink 4, Bob Young, Mick Olsen, and Mick McClosky delivered a dominant performance, defeating Alex Bojack, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Bru
Read more
With 2024 coming to a close and the new year on the horizon, the Burdekin Roosters have proudly announced the 2025 club committee! Mick Brombal has been announced as the 2025 Burdekin Roosters President, with Paul Horan joining him as Vice President, Zac Trace-Campbell as Secretary and Courtney Weaver as Treasurer. “Thank you to those who have stepped up and filled positions, we’re definitely in safe hands,” shared the Burdekin Roosters. Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Roosters.
Read more
On Wednesday 27 November, Burdekin Catholic High School proudly announced the school has been accepted into the Blackhawk Schoolboy Trophy Competition which will be held in Term 2, 2025. The announcement comes after BCHS was accepted into the QISSRL “Confro” in July, furthermore, strengthening the school's Rugby League program, offering students exceptional opportunities to develop their skills and compete at a high level.
Read more