Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Haughton Solar Farm has just been granted approval for a substantial expansion which is set to provide a significant economic boost for the region, with an estimated 405 full-time jobs and 10 permanent roles created. With the Burdekin Shire Council approval, the project will increase the farm’s capacity to 300 megawatts (MW) of solar power, enough to power an additional 110,000 homes, and the project will also include a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS). The expansion will see the ad
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As the festive season approaches, Burdekin residents are preparing to embrace the Christmas spirit. For years, Queen Street in Ayr has been the heart of holiday celebrations, with its iconic Christmas tree as a focal point in the main shopping district. However, this year, locals will notice a significant change – the tree won’t be in its usual spot and, this bold move by Council, has sparked concern among some community members. One Burdekin resident believes that Queen Street and the Christma
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The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) is pleased to tell you that our application to the CommBank Staff Foundation has been successful. Our application would not have been possible without BCA being nominated by local Commonwealth Bank Australia employee, Rebecca Love. The Foundation will grant BCA $20,000 to help with service operational costs for the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre. Please see our website www.burdekincommunityassociation.
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Another busy week in the Burdekin, Home Hill Harvest Festival wrapping up, ‘wow’, what a great parade, enjoyable food and lively entertainment. Burdekin’s Biggest Garage Sale Trail was well attended and the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists open day is always a step back in time and an experience to be viewed by all. Solemn Remembrance Day services were held, a chance to pause and remember those who have contributed to our freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy today. Well done to all organisers of
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Opinion Piece As the debacle over the impact of toxic chemical compound continues to cause havoc in Ayr, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances residents will have the chance to have their say during an upcoming federal inquiry. Mr Last said given Ayr’s ongoing battle to rid its water supply of PFAS chemical compounds there was no excuse why a full and thorough inquiry would not include a public hearing in the township. “The announcement of a federal government inquiry into t
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This past Monday 11 November, we came together to honour Remembrance Day. It was a solemn moment as I attended the memorial service in Ayr to pay our respects to the brave service men and women who have served our nation. Their sacrifice and dedication will never be forgotten. While attendance at the ceremonies in both Ayr and Home Hill was unfortunately lower than anticipated, I trust that many took a moment to reflect and commemorate in their own private ways. For those who are unaware, I’d l
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Burdekin Potters Inc., a longstanding creative fixture in the Burdekin region, has been enriching the community with its pottery programs and initiatives since 1975. With nearly five decades of history, this not-for-profit organisation has seen remarkable growth, expanding from around ten members four years ago to an impressive 62 members today. “Our youngest member is just 16, while our oldest is in her mid-70s,” shares Debra Ferraris, the current President of Burdekin Potters. This diverse m
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The Lower Burdekin Scouts embarked on an educational and enriching excursion to the Burdekin Marine Safety complex on Thursday 7 November to learn more about the fantastic work these wonderful volunteers achieve in and around the local community. Each month, the Lower Burdekin Scouts follow a theme to further their knowledge, skills, and scouting expertise, with November’s theme being “emergencies”. The Scouts enjoyed listening to the volunteers share rescue stories, and learnt valuable First A
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 137,074 2,492,898 Pioneer 65,544 1,179,470 Kalamia 77,229 1,326,338 Inkerman 85,153 1,488,482 Burdekin 365,000 6,487,187 CCS Invicta 14.82 14.39 Pioneer 14.58 14.36 Kalamia 14.08 13.90 Inkerman 14.56 14.13 Burdekin 14.56 14.22 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 60% 14.78 Q183 7% 15.66 KQ228 12% 13.66 Q232 5% 14.37 Q208 10% 14.38 WSRA17 5% 12.89 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed 365,000 tonnes of cane for the w
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has reached the three-quarter mark of the 2024 crushing season, with its eight North Queensland mills processing a total of 11.78 million tonnes of cane so far. This represents 77% of the estimated 15.34 million tonne crop. The Burdekin region is performing particularly well this season, with favourable weather conditions aiding in smooth harvesting. Current CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) levels have returned to budgeted targets, bringing the season-to-date average to a
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Local photographer Marni Hine’s journey behind the lens began far from her home in the Burdekin. Reflecting on her early days in photography, Marni recalls, “I was a fashion model in Asia in the late 1980s and early 90s, and I became interested in the alchemy of photography then. It was such a mystery.” This initial spark led her to New York City, where she studied photography at Parsons School of Design, diving into the world of “chemistry and dark rooms.” Her experiences shaped her career, e
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Mark your calendars for 12 June 2025, when Echoes of Pink Floyd will perform live at the Burdekin Theatre, paying tribute to the iconic British rock band on their 60th anniversary. This highly anticipated show celebrates six decades of Pink Floyd’s legendary music, offering fans a spectacular journey through every era of their career. As Australia’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band, Echoes of Pink Floyd promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Pink Floyd’s grou
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For nearly as long as Australia’s iconic duo Roy and HG have been on air, Cyclops and JG have been broadcasting their own blend of humour and music. With almost 60 years in Australia, Cyclops has made a lasting impact on Sweet FM, where he co-hosts alongside JG, drawing inspiration from classic Australian radio personalities. Cyclops’ passion for radio was sparked years ago when he hosted a jazz program, Jazz Journey with the Guv, running live on Thursday evenings for Sweet FM. He’s a lifelong
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DOB: 04/10/2020 Sex: Male Breed: Ragdoll Kid friendly: Yes Cat friendly: Yes Dog friendly: Untested Blaze and Arlo are two stunning cats who are as beautiful as they are affectionate. These sweet boys will win your heart the moment they start following you around, always eager for cuddles and pats. They love to be close to you, often curling up next to you. Not only are they incredibly loving with people, but they share an unbreakable bond with each other. You’ll often find them playing toget
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The Home Hill Harvest Festival delighted pet lovers with its annual Pet Show and “Bolt for Bucks” event, bringing together a range of furry, feathery, and even scaly participants! Held in the heart of the festival, the Pet Show saw beloved animals dressed to impress for categories like Best Dressed Pet, where creative costumes stole the show, and Best Kept Pet, showcasing shiny coats and well-groomed friends. The contest also celebrated talents, with prizes for the Fastest Eater and Waggiest T
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The Home Hill Harvest Festival’s Mardi Gras and Street Parade came alive with vibrant colours, music, and excitement, creating a festive evening for the entire community. More than 38 creative floats rolled through the streets, each one capturing the festival’s spirit and highlighting the talents of local organisations, schools, and businesses. Standout winners included Harmony Fletcher from Rotary, awarded Best Theme; Home Hill News and Coffee, named Best Trade; and Danelle Laubscher from Lions
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The Burdekin Clay Targets Club hosted a successful competition on Sunday, 10 November, drawing 47 competitors to the event. Despite the hot sun, a refreshing breeze kept conditions manageable, leading to outstanding performances across all grades. Congratulations go out to all the winners for their remarkable achievements. The club extends heartfelt thanks to sponsors Peter and Juantia DelleBaite, Mick Parison from the Giru Shop, and Lui Populin for generously donating meat trays for the raffle
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Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at the Burdekin Uniting Church’s Craft Spectacular, a much-anticipated event offering festive cheer and unique, quality crafts! Held at the Burdekin Memorial Hall in Home Hill on Saturday, 30th November from 9am to 2pm, this event will showcase a delightful variety of handmade items and Christmas treasures. The Craft Spectacular features a stunning array of cottage crafts, including patchwork, patterns, fabrics, flowers, cards, beads, woodwork, and beaut
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This festive season, Home Hill Newsagents and Coffee is brimming with Christmas spirit and an exciting range of products to suit all ages and tastes. Shay and Ken Linton, owners of this beloved local store, have put together a delightful selection of holiday essentials to make Christmas shopping easier and more enjoyable for the community. For those on the hunt for gifts for little ones, Home Hill Newsagents and Coffee offers a fantastic selection of kids’ toys that are sure to bring smiles on C
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The Burdekin Shire Council is calling on local food and drink vendors to join the 2024 Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols, a festive event that brings together the community for an evening of holiday cheer, carols, and delicious treats. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to showcase their offerings, while being part of a cherished community tradition. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort is encouraging vendors to submit their expressions of interest, highlighting
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The Ayr Bowling Club is preparing for its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year, inviting community members to join in an enjoyable evening on 22 November, starting at 6pm. This inclusive event is perfect for all skill levels, whether participants are experienced bowlers or trying the sport for the first time - it’s a great opportunity to gather friends or come solo and meet new people while giving bowls a try. The evening will begin with a sausage sizzle at 6pm, followed by the start
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Saturday 16 November, 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group A) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, and Jane Wicks. Sunday 17 November 9am to 1pm (Patrol Group F ) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Satori, Jake Satori, Kat Satori, and Dave Satori. Sunday 17 November 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, and Jed Giddy. Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
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The Brandon Bowls Club had another fantastic week of bowls, with great turnouts and competitive matches across Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. On Wednesday afternoon, the triples match saw Henry Hazel, Vanda Ballao, and Margaret Chapman come out on top, defeating Ann Newton, Bev Garioch, and Helen Collins. In the pairs game, Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce teamed up with Lyn Storrie to beat Sandra Darwen and Lyn Farr. Friday night’s bowls were full of fun and camaraderie with nine bowlers taking p
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Home Hill Junior Cricket saw an impressive turnout last Friday, with dozens of eager young players showcasing their skills at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. The Challengers continue to make strides in their game, highlighted by standout performances from Henry Cohan, who remained unbeaten on 15, and Corey Pensini, who delivered an exceptional bowling spell, taking 2 wickets for no runs. Levi Trail and Harvey Shannon were recognised for their outstanding contributions and received the
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The Home Hill Golf Club is celebrating a successful year, with standout achievements in the Whitsunday Vets competition. A special congratulations goes to Gary Pappalardo, who earned the title of Golfer of the Year, showcasing skill and consistency throughout the season. Home Hill’s efforts were further highlighted by securing second place in the Club of the Year standings, a testament to the dedication and performance of all players representing the club. Additionally, Home Hill tied for havin
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