The 2024 Primary School Webber Shield Swimming Carnival, held on 19 November, brought together talented swimmers from across the Burdekin district. With fierce competition from schools like East Ayr State School, St Colman’s, and Home Hill State School, the event was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. East Ayr State School claimed the coveted Webber Shield, while St Colman’s won the Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points. Several new records were set, including in the 5
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Burdekin Shire Council invites the community to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with Lights, Camera, Christmas—a special event marking the lighting of the new Christmas trees in Ayr and Home Hill. The celebrations will be held on Sunday, 1 December from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt in Ayr, and on Monday, 2 December 2024 from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Home Hill Comfort Stop. This festive event offers families the chance to enjoy the lighting of the trees, soak in the hol
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Over the weekend, Queen Street hosted an outstanding turnout with well over 100 runners rallying behind Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston in support of the boys’ incredible, Three Blokes Running challenge to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health. Raising an estimated $2,000, Sunday’s event stood as a moving showcase of community spirit highlighting the generosity of both individuals and local businesses. With donations and messages of support flooding in daily, the
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G’day, I’m Mark T. Rasmussen and I’ve just arrived in town having accepted the exciting position of journalist for Burdekin Life Newspaper. Some of you may have seen me on Wednesday morning at the Industry Breakfast (a fantastic event), where I enjoyed getting to know a few people in the community. You’ll likely see me around town in the coming days, weeks and months, but first I’d like to introduce myself. I am an award-winning author born by the sea, cultivated in the city, formed via the w
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Carol Maltby, originally from Brisbane, made Ayr her home in 2001. Despite having lived in the town for over two decades, Carol humbly refers to herself as a “newcomer.” Seeking companionship, Carol reached out to the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) a few years ago. A Community Support Officer (CSO) connected her with Rita Quagliata, BCA’s Volunteer Service Manager, who promptly arranged for a volunteer match. Enter Joyce Rodgers, affectionately known as Jo. Born in Laidley, near Brisba
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Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has spent 15 years researching a rare 1902 French-made car he owns. This car’s history brings him to the Burdekin region as he hunts for clues to establish the car’s identity. “The English bought them here. They were the biggest buyers. All the early cars here in Australia were French mostly, and so they were a highly regarded product,” Graeme declares. The car was produced between 1900 and 1910, during the French "window of glory" in the
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A warm, and friendly Garvey smile has welcomed locals and travelers alike to the Groper Creek Caravan Park for a little over five years, and although Jeanette Garvey isn’t saying goodbye to the community, she’s made the decision to step out of the management role, and leap into retirement. In October of 2019, Jeanette and her husband Danny took up the role of Managers of the Groper Creek Caravan Park within the Home Hill Boat Club as soon as the position crossed their radar. After relocating b
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With the sound of the final school bell on the afternoon of Friday 13 December 2024, a 48-year chapter will close for Mrs Linda Scott, a treasured educator and mentor who has touched the lives of the entire Burdekin region. After completing her senior education, Linda was faced with the daunting question of, “what’s next?”. Having taken an academic pathway throughout her schooling rather than a commercial one, Linda was left to think outside the employment box, leading her to pursue her passi
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Here in the Burdekin, we rely on the generous financial support of local businesses to keep our clubs, sports teams, and community events running. From youth sports to community events/festivals, these businesses are more than just local service providers—they’re the financial backbone that ensures our town’s social life continues to thrive. A prime example of this vital support is Laser Electrical, whose recent sponsorship of the Ayr Golf Club event helped make it a great success. It’s these k
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Recently, I came across a Facebook post that resonated deeply: “Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple of months. But small businesses will, and it might even change their life.” There’s a buzz in the air as new businesses open and others expand throughout our community. It’s wonderful to see the growing confidence in our region. This festive season, I urge everyone to think local first. Supporting our small businesses not only strengthens our economy but can make a signif
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The 2024 Annual General Meeting of South Burdekin Community Financial Services Limited was held on 20th November. Chairman Darren West reflected on the achievements of the Home Hill and Ayr Bendigo Community Bank branches during their twentieth year of operation and shared plans for the future. The bank continued to grow, welcoming new customers and expanding its services. This growth has been driven by increased branch activity, which creates more opportunities for the bank to support the commu
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As families look to start packing the car ahead of the festive holiday period a new advisory council for the Bruce Highway will be forming with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the news for regional road users. Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of the re-establishment of a Bruce Highway Advisory Council would bring together key stakeholders and representatives from across all regions to deliver desperately needed upgrades to the Bruce Highway. “For years we have seen L
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 105,794 2,739,240 Pioneer 54,121 1,305,725 Kalamia 49,308 1,445,206 Inkerman 54,056 1,625,543 Burdekin 263,279 7,115,714 CCS Invicta 14.12 14.40 Pioneer 14.31 14.35 Kalamia 13.35 13.88 Inkerman 13.67 14.12 Burdekin 13.92 14.22 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 52% 14.17 Q208 8% 13.40 KQ228 20% 13.20 Q232 4% 13.39 Q183 13% 14.98 WSRA17 2% 12.13 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just over 263,000 tonnes of cane
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has announced a review of its Cane Analysis Program (CAP), following months of advocacy from Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). The decision marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over fibre testing practices at the Victoria and Macknade mills in the Herbert region, which had already drawn sharp reactions from grower groups. QCAR have said that Wilmar has also agreed to review its CAP in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions. The issue first
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Australia’s investment in agricultural research and development has reached almost $3 billion in 2023-24, the latest ABARES release has shown. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported that this long-term commitment will lead to improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and modernisation. The private sector accounts for the largest growth in investment in the sector, with a nearly 5 per cent annual growth rate from 2005-06. ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared
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Shaun Detenon, his wife, Katrina, and their son, Mick, have been running ‘About Town Bait & Tackle’ a highly successful fishing tackle shop, since 2001. They recently moved from Edward Street to their new, larger premises, at 203 Queen Street, Ayr, which now offers double the floor space. Shaun, who originally ran a local service station where he used to sell bait and tackle, moved away from cars and petrol and into being a fully fledged fishing shop back in 2001, working alongside his brother.
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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) is the worthy recipient of a $20,000 donation from the CommBank Staff Foundation’s 2024 Community Grants program, in its most significant funding year yet. The Ayr organisation received funding from CommBank to help drive positive change and CEO of BCA, Debra Cochran, couldn’t be more delighted. “It was fantastic, first to get nominated and then win. It was quite unbelievable because I thought, oh my gosh, our little place. We were amazed and very grat
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Thursday 28 November Where in the World is Winston? - Author Talk with Renee Hudson Thursday 10am Meet Renee and Winston and learn all about her new book, and how it supports language development! Burdekin Theatre Saturday 30 November Burdekin Christmas Craft Spectacular Saturday 9am Burdekin Uniting Church is proud to bring the beloved Craft Spectacular to the Memorial Hall for the second time this year! Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill Saturday 30 November Burdekin Library’s Big Book Sale
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Margaret Taylor, recipient of the Moderator's Community Service Medal 2023, has dedicated her life to helping others. Nominated by her church minister, Malia Ma’u, Margaret’s contributions to the church and community have been recognised as exceptional. Her work spans various areas of community service, including supporting school chaplains through fundraising and cooking, assisting youth groups at the Uniting Church and Community Church, and home visiting with the Burdekin Community Association
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Arts on The Avenue in Home Hill is embracing the festive spirit, thanks to the creative contributions of members Marge and Fred Morcom. For years, the couple has decorated their home with a stunning array of handmade Christmas decorations, and this year, their work has found a new home with the group. With the help of eight dedicated volunteers, a working bee was held to set up the decorations. Fred crafted all the timber pieces, while Marge created the fabric elements, showcasing their remarkab
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The Burdekin Community Association is calling for the community to come together in support of their 2024 Christmas Appeal to help share the joy of Christmas this festive season. The appeal hopes to provide assistance to locals in need from families experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, to elderly residents experiencing loneliness. Supporting the BCA’s appeal is simple, with the following items greatly accepted: • Bonbons • Festive decorations and tableware • Toiletries includ
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Help us bring the joy of Christmas to the lives of locals this festive season. From families experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, to older persons alone, we are hoping to be able to provide assistance to locals needing a festive lift this holiday season. We would greatly appreciate the following new items: • Bonbons • Festive decorations • Festive tableware • Toiletries including women's hygiene • Christmas books • Sparklers • Long life milk • Tinned fru
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Life is a journey filled with endings and new beginnings. Each stage gives us chances to grow and evolve, and how we deal with change is essential for our emotional health and personal growth. Endings often bring a range of emotions, from sadness to relief. Acknowledging these feelings is essential, allowing us to reflect on our experiences and recognise the lessons learned. Accepting that endings are a normal part of life helps us appreciate what we have achieved while preparing for the future
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Join a transformative Suicide Intervention Training session designed to equip individuals with life-saving skills and knowledge. This free workshop, hosted at PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillian Street, Ayr, is tailored to empower community members to recognise and respond to early signs of suicide effectively. Participants will learn to recognise the early warning signs of suicide, support individuals at risk by connecting them to available services and encourage help-seeking behaviours to prevent
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Get into the festive spirit and join the Ayr Presbyterian Church for a magical evening of fun and giving back this Christmas season. The annual Saint Nicholas Day celebration will take place on Friday, 6 December, from 5.30pm to 7pm at the church grounds. This family-friendly event promises a heartwarming mix of activities and festive cheer, and attendees will learn about the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration behind the modern-day Santa Claus. The evening will feature a range of
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