Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 6,377 954,078 Pioneer 1,060 427,504 Kalamia 5,242 545,399 Inkerman 3,973 629,809 Burdekin 16,652 2,556,790 CCS Invicta 12.97 14.06 Pioneer 14.54 14.14 Kalamia 13.34 13.80 Inkerman 14.43 13.83 Burdekin 13.53 13.96 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 48% 14.54 Q208 7% 14.46 SRA23 18% 14.58 Q183 5% 13.86 KQ228 17% 15.05 WSRA17 5% 15.06 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just under 17,000 tonnes of cane for the week
Read more
A rural charity has opened its annual photography competition to the public for its fifth year. Spirit of the Bush is an Australian-wide photography competition run by Rural Aid. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition was a great way to get a glimpse into life on the land. “Our Spirit of the Bush competition is always very popular, attracting hundreds of entrants from across Australia,” Mr Warlters said. “The winning 12 photos are turned into a beautiful wall calendar.” “I
Read more
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions met last week at the company’s request to discuss current positions in relation to their enterprise bargaining dispute. Wilmar suggested today’s meeting following discussions two weeks ago in Townsville facilitated by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan. Subsequent to those discussions, Commissioner Riordan recommended some potential solutions to a range of issues in dispute. A Wilmar spokesman said last week’s meeting estab
Read more
Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Following a jam-packed July that was dominated by our international sugar trader roadshow, the Grower Marketing team has been busy compiling the first edition of our new grower newsletter – The Sugar Brief. In this new communication offering, we collate the range of activities we engage in that might otherwise go unnoticed. Wilmar Sugar and Renewables sponsors dozens of events within our sugar milling regions that are linked to cane growing, loca
Read more
Monday 26 August Why God Series Monday at 6.30pm This series continues for 3 weeks every Monday night and Wednesday night concluding on 14th September at Ayr Seventh day Adventist Church corner of Parker and Wilmington Streets Ayr Presenting the series is Pastor Laufili Ah - Yo Contact for more details on 0404196170. Ayr Seventh day Adventist Church Tuesday 27 August Bible Study Tuesday & Thursday 2pm If you would like to know what the Bible says and you would like to know more you are welco
Read more
Towards the end of World War II, Australia sought to expand agricultural land for returning soldiers. In the Lower Burdekin region, efforts began to develop farmland, especially for tobacco, which had been grown in Home Hill since 1909 by pioneers like Richard Bayliss. By 1948, land was being sold around Clare for tobacco cultivation, but water availability was a significant challenge. To address this, a weir was planned at the Gorge in the Leichhardt Ranges, upstream from the confluence of the
Read more.JPG)
On the 17th, the Home Hill Rotary Club hosted a successful barbecue at Funny Dunny Park in Wunjunga, bringing together locals and campers to celebrate the community's dedication to recycling and the environment. The event, held at the park just 2 kilometres from the peaceful spot known as "Wunjunga," was a warm gathering that highlighted the area's strong community spirit. The barbecue was organized to thank everyone who has supported the 10-cent cash-for-cans recycling program, a key initiativ
Read more.JPG)
Brielle Astorquia, was introduced to the role of ambassador for the Water Festival through Kari Ravizza from the festival committee. Brielle’s involvement began when she was approached at Nutrien Harcourts and McCathie’s Real Estate, where she was recruited for the ambassador position. The primary objectives of this year's Water Festival include boosting confidence, fostering friendships, and raising funds for the Charlie Teo Foundation. Additionally, the festival serves as a platform for local
Read more
DOB: 26/01/24 Sex: Female Breed: DSH Kid friendly: Soft hands only Cat Friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Slow introduction Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only Meet Marinette, a curious and playful young lady who loves to cuddle up on your bed at night. During the day, she transforms into a quirky ball of energy, always eager to voice her opinions. Marinette is a delight to have around her foster mum can't understand why she's still searching for her forever home. Adoption days are not Marinette
Read more
The Burdekin Roosters A Grade team put together a complete performance, much to the delight of coach Steve Lansley. Reflecting on his team’s 14-12 victory over Herbert River at Rugby Park last Saturday night. "We have been trying for some time to put things together for eighty minutes, and it was nice for the boys to see it finally happen,” said Lansley. The tightly contested match featured strong defence and smart attacking play from both sides. The Roosters and Herbert River each scored two
Read more
The Home Hill Cricket Association had an action-packed couple of days on as they hosted the NQ Schoolboys 10–12 years cricket trials on Sunday and Monday. The event brought together teams from across the region, including Townsville, Ingham, Charters Towers, and Bowen / Whitsundays, with the Burdekin schoolboys team enjoying a fantastic experience. A special mention goes to one of Home Hill's own junior players, Marshall Parker, who made it to the Possibles and Probables cut. Although he didn't
Read more
Local The Burdekin Panthers had a successful Ladies Day, winning all three home games. The Division One Funkies beat Saints Eagles South 2-0, the Premiers won 5-0 against the Rebels, and the Under 23s also triumphed 5-0. The Ladies had a bye. This week’s final round before the Finals features the Premiers, Under 23s, and Women Premiers playing away at MA Olympic on Saturday, while the Division One Funkies host Wulguru on Friday night. The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers secured a 5-0 win over the Rebels
Read more
The Home Hill Bowls Club had a busy and successful week, with 30 players turning out for Thursday afternoon social bowls. Sponsored by Oar and Horan, five games of triples were contested on the green. - Rink 3: Tony, Tracy, and Andy triumphed over Paul, Gary, and Mick. - Rink 4: Yogi, Bob, and Wayne secured a win against Ron, Joe, and Stephen. - Rink 5: Judy, Tony, and Ross outplayed Bob Y., Des, and Cy. - Rink 6: John, Reno, and Hugh defeated Ray M., Ray H., and Bruce. - Rink 7: Jim, Dino, an
Read more
The Home Hill Golf Club's Sip 'n Putt ‘Come and Try’ sessions, initiated by Megan Barbagallo, are becoming a popular event for women of all golfing abilities. These free sessions offer a welcoming environment for participants to enjoy golf while socializing with others. On Saturday, 17 August, 12 women gathered at the club to enjoy a day of sport, sunshine, and camaraderie under the expert guidance of PGA Professional Tara Jenkins. Tara, who began playing golf at the age of 10, has since develop
Read more
The Burdekin Roosters will be in action this Sunday, with both the Reserves and Hens competing in their respective minor semi-finals. For both teams, it's do-or-die as losing means the end of their season. In A Grade, minor premiers Souths will face Western Lions for a spot in the Grand Final. Souths have been dominant this season, remaining undefeated, with Western Lions being the only team to come close, managing a draw. In the A Grade knockout semi-final, Brothers will take on Charters Tower
Read more
The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads had a busy weekend as they hosted their final home games of the season, setting the stage for the upcoming semi-finals. The action kicked off on Friday night with the U11s taking on Teachers West. The young Canetoads played an outstanding game, pushing their opponents to the limit but narrowly missing victory by just one try. Despite the close loss, the team celebrated with high spirits in the sheds afterward. U11s Final Score: 45 – 40. Unfortunately, the thi
Read more
Members of the Home Hill Pickleball group travelled to Tennis Townsville on Saturday 17 August for a social match, undeterred by bridge closures, fog, and heat. The players enjoyed a nearly perfect day, participating in a "King and Queen of the Court" format that allowed them to mix and compete with Tennis Townsville's highly skilled players, gaining valuable pickleball experience in the process. Hannah Casswell, Ryan Schwab, and Toni and Michele Pivotto shone as the standout players for Home H
Read more
The week at the Ayr Bowling Club kicked off on Tuesday 13 August with two games of triples, showcasing some impressive bowling! Last week, Pam Power and Irene Wilson represented the Ayr Bowling Club in Townsville at the NQDLBA Open Singles Championship. Pam made it to the quarterfinals - well done, Pam! A big congratulations to Irene Wilson, who won the championship by defeating Sue Brady (Pine Rivers) in the final. This win highlights the exceptional talent of the Ayr Bowling Club ladies, who
Read more
On Wednesday 14 August, the Ayr Golf Club held another Monthly Medal competition, proudly sponsored by Eathorne's Intersport. The course was in excellent condition, and 25 ladies competed for a spot in the End-of-Year Monthly Medal Final. In A Grade, Pat Lawson emerged as the winner, with Janet Trezise as the runner-up. B Grade saw Vicki Adcock take the top spot, followed by Kerry Mann as runner-up. In C Grade, Angie Baxter claimed victory, with Katrina Hearn finishing as runner-up. Congratula
Read more
Ayr Golf Club was pleased to have Sanco, a local family-run Burdekin tomato grower, sponsor the junior day on Saturday 17 August. The morning was a success, with Drummond Golf vouchers as the highly coveted prizes. In the 3-hole competition, Heath Suficiencia took the gross winner title with a score of 27, while Opie McKeough emerged as the Nett winner. Congratulations to both boys! In the 6-hole competition, Evelyn Mahoney claimed the gross winner spot with a score of 52, and Jett James secur
Read more.png)
The Brandon Bowls Club held a fantastic afternoon on Wednesday for mixed bowls, with the highlight being an A-grade singles match where Lyn Storrie triumphed over Vanda Ballao! In the triples game, Kev Collins, Sandra Darwen, and Helen Collins secured a win against Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Darelle Pearce. On Friday 16 August, the Club’s monthly Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Findex, saw a great turnout with 76 bowlers. The Club and its members expressed a big thank you to Findex and their re
Read more
The Ayr Surf Club is calling on members of the public, both new and past, to join the amazing club. Now is the time to be a part of Surf Life Saving Queensland, the largest volunteer organisation in the world, and contribute to a safer, stronger community. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, passionate about first aid, or eager to help out, there’s a place for you with the Ayr Surf Club. Enjoy the sun, make new friends, and help save lives. Wear the red and yellow with pride! Be a Lifesaver, Y
Read more.jpg)
Casalegno Fields were bustling with activity on Saturday 10 August, as the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads welcomed back some long-lost familiar faces for Old Boys Day. A highlight of the season calendar, Old Boys Day brought together past players and supporters, and the club hopes everyone enjoyed the festivities. “What a great night - A big thanks to all our Old Boys and the people that helped make yesterday such an awesome day,” shared the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads Old Boys. The Under-1
Read moreMonday 26 August Why God Series Monday at 6.30pmThis series continues for 3 weeks every Monday night and Wednesday night concluding on 14th September at Ayr Seventh day Adventist Church corner of Parker and Wilmington Streets Ayr Presenting the series is Pastor Laufili Ah - Yo Contact for more details on 0404196170.Ayr Seventh day Adventist Church Saturday 31 August Burdekin Water Festival QMN Long Lunch Saturday 12pm Set to be a feast for the senses with mouthwatering delicacies and drinks, bre
Read more.jpg)
Meet Bruce Smith, a dedicated security control room operator who skilfully balances his full-time job with the demanding role of being an auxiliary firefighter. As a shift worker with the council, Bruce spends his days ensuring the safety and security of the community, a responsibility that requires constant vigilance. Due to the nature of his primary job, he can only respond to fire calls during his off shifts. However, this limitation hasn’t dampened his passion for helping others—a passion
Read more