October is always a busy month on the grower marketing calendar with the closing off of marketing nominations for the season ahead. With the dust now settled, we have registered a pleasing increase in the number of growers and GEI tonnes nominated through to Wilmar Grower Marketing across our four milling regions. A common theme with growers who nominated us is the financial benefits Wilmar has delivered over the last few seasons. The Production Risk Pool continues to outperform the Harvest P
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Intersport and Compleat Angler continues to be a go-to spot for sports and fishing fans in the region, catering to a wide array of needs and trends. Football, basketball, netball, and soccer remain popular choices, with the "hottest" sport shifting each year and often aligning with school seasons. This seasonal change keeps the store busy as locals gear up for their favourite sports, whether they’re experienced players or new to the game. Fishing trends are also evolving, with lures taking the s
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The Burdekin Shire Council is addressing residents’ concerns over the recent surge in mosquito populations impacting most of the region. This spike follows recent rain events and tides exceeding 3.5 metres, conditions that create optimal breeding grounds for mosquitoes as water seeps into salt flats and other normally dry areas. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort highlighted the Council’s proactive approach through its ongoing mosquito monitoring and treatment program. This program focuses on targeting mo
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A time to celebrate and a time for action! November is National Rural Health Month and it’s time to spotlight rural communities and health care. Throughout November, the National Rural Health Alliance is excited to share rural healthcare stories and highlight the success stories of rural healthcare champions. We will also draw attention to the myriad of issues faced by rural, regional and remote communities in Australia when trying to access health care. “We all know that Australia’s rural
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The Burdekin Shire Council is thrilled to announce Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr as the major sponsor and naming rights partner for the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas Carols event. Set to bring festive cheer to the community, this year’s celebration will take place on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at Home Hill State High School. Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin from Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr expressed her excitement about this new partnership. “We are excited to be
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The old Burdekin River Rail Bridge can accurately be referred to as a magnet for disaster and was once a sore spot for Queensland Rail employees due to constant flood instances and deterioration. Constructed during the period extending from 1896 to 1899, the Burdekin River Rail Bridge, also known as the Macrossan Bridge, connected North Queensland to the rest of the state. Often described as a “north coast railway nightmare”, the dangerous section of line extending across the Burdekin River
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DOB: 13/04/2024 Sex: Female Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier x Kid friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 5ft Daisy is a lively and affectionate girl who’s always full of energy. She adores cuddles—on the couch or even the bed, if you let her! Daisy is friendly with people and other dogs, making her a great fit for any family. Smart and well-mannered, she knows to sit politely before meals and when coming indoors. Daisy would love a home where she can enjoy both
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At 11.40pm on Saturday 19 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 42-year-old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for disqualified driving and is due to front Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 November. At 2am on Saturday 26 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Davenport Street, Ayr. As a result, a 39 year old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for unlicenced driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 November
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Saturday 9 November 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Sunday 10 November 9.00am to 5.00pm (Full Weekend Patrol Group E) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isabella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, and Danni Coughlin. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
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Burdekin's own Jennifer Fotinos has earned a prestigious spot on Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team, set to compete in the UK this November. Jennifer’s journey to the international stage began earlier this year at the 2024 National Futsal Championships in Sydney, where she represented North Queensland in the Open Women’s division and reached the quarterfinals with an impressive display of skill.
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Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 9 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 57 goals and, surprisingly, no Sin Bins. Top scorers for the Men were Rocky Pond Warriors with six goals and for the Women, DILLIGAF scored four goals. FJV stay top of Group A1 despite only managing a 0-0 draw with lowly Karls Mowing Service and Mottin Earthmoving drop to third place after losing 0-1 to second place Plumb Dingers. UDS still lead in Group A2 after bea
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The Home Hill Cricket Association was fortunate to welcome Antony Stewart from QLD Cricket for two visits over the past week. Antony first joined Guy at East Ayr State School last Tuesday to assist with the Rookies, and then returned on Friday afternoon to work with the Challengers at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. He was highly impressed with the players’ progress, particularly their skilful, straight-arm bowling. This week, Challengers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan top-scored
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The Escriva Cup was held on Friday 1 November at International Park. The Cup, played for annually, was won for the second time by Class of 13 who defeated FJV 2-1 in a very close game. The Men’s Cup attracted eighteen teams in six groups of three so that every team played at least two matches. The competition was run on a Night Soccer basis and each match lasted thirty minutes. Winners of each Group and the two best runners up went into the quarter finals. This meant that the finalists played f
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The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another week filled with competitive matches and social events, showcasing the talent and camaraderie of its members. Tuesday Ladies’ Social Bowls kicked off the week with 14 players taking to the green. Notable matches included a win for the team of Karen Shepherd, Linda Guimelli, Beryl Cornford, and Mary Poli, who defeated Meryl Smith, Merle Nixon, Joy Comollatti, and Heather Jorgensen. In another match, Ruth Moore, Karen Page, and Irene Wilson triumphed over I
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Wednesday afternoon saw another excellent turnout for bowls. Bev Garioch, Lyn Farr, and Lyn Storrie triumphed over Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Joy Woods. Members are encouraged to join the fun each Wednesday - please have your names in by 1pm for a 1:30pm start. Friday night’s social bowls drew a fantastic crowd. In the pairs match, Bruce McCallum and Ray Panecassio claimed victory over Margaret McLaughlin and Joe Ypinazar. The triples game went to Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Jamie Woods,
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Home Hill Bowls Club invites the Burdekin to their Come and Try Day, particularly children and teenagers to find out about a new sport to play injury free. It’s a 9am start and will run until lunchtime. Drinks will be available, bring your hat and flat soled shoes. If not, you can go barefoot. For enquiries, please phone 0428183054.
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The Home Hill Golf Course came alive with friendly competition and laughter during the Golf Ambrose event, a key highlight of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Participants gathered for a day of teamwork, skill, and light-hearted fun, embracing the event’s spirit by dressing up and celebrating together. One team added extra flair to the day by dressing up as XXXX beer, sporting simple but creative outfits that paid homage to the iconic Queensland brand, drawing laughs and adding a festive vibe to
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The 2024 Queensland Country Bank Home Hill Harvest Festival will ignite the streets of Home Hill with festivities and joy this weekend for one of the most exciting community celebrations of the year - packed with new features and cherished favourites that promise fun for all ages. With a new start time of 3pm families with young children can now enjoy the festivities of the Street Party earlier in the day, with the Grand Parade scheduled for 5pm this Saturday, 9 November. A new addition to this
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Friday 8 November Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Gala Ball Friday from 6:30pm Indulge in an evening of regal splendour and community sprit at the official 2024 Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Gala Ball! Set to ignite the Burdekin Memorial Hall on the evening of Friday 8 November, the community is invited to attend to honour the 2024 Harvest Festival Queens, and witness the crowning of both the Charity and Personality Queens. The night will see attendees enjoy an elegant seated dinner accomp
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Do you want to play a part in this year’s Grand Parade on Saturday 9 November? The Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help marshal this exciting event! If you’re available, please join the committee outside Ashworths at 4pm this Saturday and be part of a fantastic community tradition. For more details, email info@hhharvestfestival.com.au or call Carlene after 3pm at 0478 063 808.
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The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists are celebrating four decades of dedication to preserving the region’s rich heritage in vintage machinery on Sunday 10th November. With approximately 65 members, the club spans from Chillagoe to Chinchilla, showcasing a commitment to historical preservation across Queensland. The club opens its doors every Monday from April to November, inviting tourists to explore a unique collection, including tractors from the late 1800s, the Burdekin’s first trains, and
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On Friday, November 8, the Burdekin Memorial Hall will come alive with glamour and community spirit at the highly anticipated Harvest Festival Rotary Gala Ball. This prestigious event offers an evening filled with elegance and generosity, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the seven 2024 Home Hill Harvest Festival Queens. For the past few months, seven young women have represented their organisations with pride, taking on ambassadorial roles to support and uplift the Burdekin communi
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The Ayr Golf Club hosted the final monthly medal event of the year for their junior players over the weekend, with plenty of commendable results scored across the board. The official November 3-hole competition winners were River Vass for Monthly Medal and with Grey Perry celebrated as the Gross Winner. Grey also took out Least putts and Andi Perry took home Longest Putt. The 6-hole competition saw the return of some old players with the Club welcoming back and congratulating Parker Lawson w
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Although the election results have not been officially declared, Dale Last is sitting comfortably with the win having secured 65.8 per cent of the votes at the time of writing, re-instating himself to the role of Member for the Burdekin. In addition, for the first time in more than a decade LNP’s Dale Last will be representing the region while not in opposition following the LNP’s landmark victory and subsequent announcement of David Crisafulli as the Premier for Queensland. Continued on page
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Last week, Brighter Lives, North Queensland’s beloved charity, successfully hosted its annual Giving Day, rallying the local community to raise vital funds for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Established in 1989 as the Townsville Hospital Foundation, Brighter Lives has evolved into the official partner charity for the region's health services, now supporting not only the Townsville University Hospital but also 18 public hospitals and two residential aged care facilities. This year’s
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