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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort We have had several important activities and community moments across the Burdekin Shire recently, and I’m pleased to share some of the updates with you. On Monday 25 November, a mobile Telstra customer service van will be in the Burdekin from 9.00am to 4.30pm. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to receive face-to-face assistance with their Telstra accounts and services. No appointment is required, and the van will be conveniently located in the vacant block o
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The Burdekin region has long been recognised for its strong sense of community, and that commitment continues to shine through the ongoing support provided by the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy. Operated by a local board passionate about community wellbeing, the Community Bank has reaffirmed its support for school chaplaincy services across the region’s eleven state schools. Through dedicated funding and sustained advocacy, the bank is helping ensure chaplain
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Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Burdekin Shire, leading the Burdekin Shire Council to implement cautionary signage to warn the community. With the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert, especially considering the shire homes just over 70 diverse species of reptiles. As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science an
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BURDEKIN artists and cultural groups are set to benefit from more than $24,000 in funding, approved by Burdekin Shire Council under Round 1 of the 2025/26 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council, aimed at fostering creativity and cultural development across the region. Six local projects received funding this round. The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association will run a Highland Dancing workshop, while the Burdekin Singer
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New Kids’ Song Showcases Queensland’s Sweetest Crop A catchy new children’s song celebrating Queensland’s sugar industry has taken off online, with Sugarcane Train, a collaboration between George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS, attracting more than 68,000 views in just three days. The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also proved a hit, drawing over 65,000 views since its release on Friday. The upbeat tune takes children on a playful journey “from paddo
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Glen Shane Galbraith was a man whose warmth, humour, and genuine care touched everyone who knew him. Known for his cheeky laugh, love of horses, devotion to family, and generous heart, Glen lived life on his own terms while leaving a lasting impression on the Burdekin community. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend—a quiet achiever whose kindness radiated in both grand gestures and everyday moments. The following tribute article was sent to the newspaper by Glen’s brother, Paul, and
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Burdekin Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the Burdekin Bowl on Tuesday, 11 November, for the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, which saw a mix of returning leaders and new faces stepping into key roles. President Eusebio Aguirre of ELA Solutions retained his position, while Gary Roser of Harvey Norman moved into the Vice President role—his first leadership position within the Chamber. Former Vice President Frank Nucifora, owner of Delta Cleaners & Laundry, transitioned into the Trea
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Local schools are being encouraged to submit ideas to improve student travel safety, with nominations now open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP). The Government has committed $4 million this financial year to support new or upgraded road and transport infrastructure around schools. Projects may include improved drop-off zones, shared pathways, pedestrian crossings and bus set-down areas. In its first Budget, the government has allocated $27.5 million
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Burdekin Catholic High School this week proudly farewell our graduating Class of 2025, a cohort of young people who have led with heart, embraced challenge, and strengthened the spirit of our school community. Throughout their time at BCHS, this group has been defined by their generosity, spirit, and willingness to step forward as leaders. Whether on the sporting field, in academic pursuits, through service activities, or in the arts, our Year 12 students have left an impression that will echo
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Thursday 20 November Jimeoin – Pandemonium – Ayr ALL DAY Comedy legend Jimeoin brings laughs and life hacks to the stage. Learn clever tricks, hilarious pranks, and more, while laughing yourself silly. Tickets $54.90. 161 Queen Street, Ayr QLD 4807 Friday 21 November Movie on the Field Friday 6:30pm Osborne State School, Kirknie Rd Settle in for a warm, family-friendly night under the stars as Osborne State School screens Disney & Pixar’s Elio. Entry is just $5 (kids under 6 are free), with all
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Home Hill produced a composed and confident display at Barry Richards Field, securing a 47-run victory over Wests Absolutely Dental in their Second Grade CNQ One Day fixture. Home Hill posted a competitive 6-160, built on patient partnerships and a late-innings surge. Alexander Romeo anchored the innings with a gritty 43 off 77 balls, absorbing pressure and rotating the strike before falling lbw to Shawn Hague. JD Wilkins starred at the finish, remaining unbeaten on 44 from 52 balls. In defens
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Home Hill claimed a convincing victory over Northern Beaches in their Third Grade fixture on the weekend, winning by 5 wickets and 96 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Home Hill’s attack was relentless from the outset, restricting Northern Beaches to 6/110 from 30 overs. William McLees set the tone with a fiery opening spell, striking twice in quick succession—one LBW and one clean bowled—to leave the visitors struggling at 2/11. Travis Butler and Laurence Zappa maintained the
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The batters came out on top this week at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill, with only five wickets falling across both the "Blue" and "Gold" groups. In the Blue Group, Kyle Wilkie remained not out on 10 runs, leading the way and earning the McDonalds Sports Award for his composed batting. Tait Parker and Corbett Cross each bowled a maiden over and were the most economical bowlers, while Mazlyn Smith effected a run out. In the Gold Group, only three bowlers claimed wickets:
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The Bendigo Bank Club of Origin returns to Bendigo Bank Park on Saturday, November 29, with former local teams battling for bragging rights, pride and the enduring spirit of the community. The event promises a day of big hits, hometown heroes, high-energy action, family fun and plenty of unforgettable moments. The four resurrected local clubs are Colts, Hornets, Brothers and Home Hill. As an added attraction, a ladies match will be played during the afternoon between Ayr and Home Hill. Play w
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Burdekin FC are chasing expressions of interest, by Sunday 23 November, for players aged12 and up for their Youths and Women’s teams for the 2026 season. The Club is also looking for those interested in coaching the various Burdekin Panthers teams in the Townsville competitions next season. Expressions of interest also close this Sunday. Night Soccer The eighth week of competition and a relatively high scoring night. There were no forfeits, which was a nice change. The twenty games produced se
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Twenty-seven players turned out for another sultry spring afternoon of bowls, with two games of pairs and two games of triples on the program. The ladies also staged a challenge game of triples. On Rink 3, Des Chapman and Steve Doig were in sharp touch, defeating Michael Young and Joe Linton. On Rink 4, the combination of Paul Vass, Trevor Elton and Wayne Newton worked well together to down Bob Young, Dino Poli and Glen “Bones” Berryman. Rink 5 saw Nev Webb, Ron Smith and Gary Nosworthy outlas
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Junior golfers from across Queensland descended on Ayr Golf Club on Saturday, the 8th of November for one of the region’s most anticipated junior tournaments, the 2025 Karrie Webb Junior Masters! With more than 90 competitors travelling from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Yeppoon, Cairns and North Queensland, the event once again proved to be a standout showcase of emerging golfing talent. The Burdekin’s own national golf legend Karrie Webb attended across the weekend, much to the excitement of young pl
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The Burdekin Clay Target Club welcomed 38 shooters to its monthly competition on Sunday, 9th November. As the weather warms, targets are becoming harder to see, adding a new challenge for participants. Congratulations to all the winners, whose accuracy and skill made for a highly competitive day. The club extended thanks to its sponsors: Peter & Juanita Delle Baite, Michael Parison-Giru Store, and Annette & Gian Vassalini, as well as Lui Populkin for donating meat trays for the raffle. The next
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FRONT COVER Eighth Avenue doubled as a festival runway last Saturday afternoon, as Hollywood rolled onto Home Hill’s front doorstep in the form of 38 exuberantly decorated floats for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade. Large crowds lined the street as organisations, schools, and local businesses from across the Burdekin region rolled, marched and danced their way through Home Hill's main street, embracing the “Hollywood Elegance” theme with glittering costumes and dazzling floats. The event, to
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Well, it's official. My first ever Home Hill Harvest Festival, in the books. Does that qualify me as a local yet? Well, whether it does or doesn't, I sure felt proud to be a resident as I paced the packed out streets this weekend, photographing all the amazing floats at the highly anticipated Grand Parade. What a turnout. What an event. And all topped off by a near-perfect sunset and the following Street Party. The two events rounded off another successful Harvest Festival schedule—an amalgam
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Home Hill State High School has thanked the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch for donating a new water cooler for students. The school says the contribution is a practical boost, especially in Burdekin heat, giving students reliable access to cold drinking water throughout the year. Staff also noted the donation reflects the strong community support the RSL has consistently shown. The RSL Sub Branch has a long history of assisting local schools, and this latest gesture reinforces the relationship betwe
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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has received a boost in its ongoing efforts to support local residents, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming its annual donation of $40,400. Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presented the donation at BCA’s Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2025, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing essential services across the region. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the contribution reflected the Council’s strong partnership with BCA and its long-standin
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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Ayr on Sunday afternoon, 9 November. Emergency services were called to Railway Street at about 3.45pm after reports that a white Kia Sorento had collided with a tree. The 66-year-old Ayr man driving the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information or dashcam footage is urge
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As the calendar turns to just over a year since the Queensland state election, Member for Burdekin Dale Last says he remains steadfast in ensuring the Burdekin receives its fair share. Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Last said witnessing progress and delivery of projects the Burdekin community had long advocated for was incredibly rewarding. “Whether it was improving the safety of our community, providing certainty for the Bowen Boat Harbour or securing a CT scanner for our local hospital
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By Chelsea Ravizza Three Blokes Running (TBR) have once again taken to social media to share a brand-new exciting “game plan” for this month’s Movember Foundation initiative to raise awareness and funds to support men’s mental health! Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have been on an unstoppable mission to break down stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, pushing the message “it ain’t weak to speak” across the country. Just last year, the boys debuted their Movember
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