The resilience, beauty, and spirit of rural Australia have been captured in the winning entries of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition. This year’s competition drew a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – almost double the number received in 2024. The powerful images tell stories of life on the land, from moments of quiet reflection to the vastness and challenges of the Australian landscape. Ten winners were each awarded a $250 prep
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Queensland’s sugarcane industry has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program, declaring the state is perfectly placed to lead the charge in clean energy and regional job creation. The ten-year program aims to unlock economic opportunities from low-carbon liquid fuels such as biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Queensland already has a head start, with global recognition for sustainable farming practices and an extensive transpo
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Opinion Piece By Federal Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox The sky is falling. We’re all going to drown. And if we don’t, we’ll die of heatstroke. That’s the kind of doomsday rhetoric being pushed by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and the Albanese government. Why? Because Labor believes fear keeps them in power and they want every voter to be scared. Last week’s Climate Risk Report, commissioned by the Albanese Government, is the latest chapter in Labor’s long running campaign of alarmism an
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At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, banking goes far beyond financial services. It’s about people, relationships, and giving back to the place we proudly call home. The staff here are not only dedicated to providing outstanding service, but also to strengthening the community through the Community Bank model — where profits are reinvested locally. Three team members who embody this commitment are Chris Delaney, Jade Bywaters, and Sally Smith, each bringing unique experiences and a shared passio
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The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is inviting locals to join them for a special Seniors Month morning tea on 14 October, offering a warm welcome with craft, conversation, and of course, scones from 9:30AM. “We’d love people to come down, see what we do, and maybe even join in afterwards,” said CWA member Jan Juffs. “We’ll have some scones for morning tea as well—it’s just a nice way to spend a Tuesday.” Last year’s open day was a quiet gathering of members and friends from the local patchw
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The sound of locos rattling through the Burdekin is a sure sign of harvest, and this year those bins have been moving earlier and faster than usual. With an early start to the crushing, we’re on track to finish before Melbourne Cup, just like the old days. That’s welcome news for our farming families, mill workers and contractors, and it flows right across the community. An early finish means fewer wet season delays, smoother operations, and earlier returns into local businesses. From the hardwa
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Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute. “It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use
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The Burdekin Ladies took out the Division 1 Women’s Grand Final on Friday night when they defeated minor premiers Brothers 5-4 after extra-time. Brothers started strongly and were 3-1 ahead at half time, Ellyana Mugica having scored for the Burdekin. In the second half the Burdekin fought back with goals from Sienna Lago and Zandi Bonanno to make the full time score 3-3. The match then went to extra time, and a Brothers own goal put the Burdekin ahead. However, Brothers equalised early in the s
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The 2025 Home Hill Harvest Festival is officially underway after a lively launch event on Sunday, 14 September, at the Home Hill Community Sports Club. The afternoon celebration brought together families, friends, and supporters for a vibrant start to this year’s festival season, filled with community spirit and anticipation for the weeks ahead. A highlight of the event was the official introduction of the 2025 Festival Queens. Representing local clubs, schools, and organisations, the young wo
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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER Festival Launch 3pm Join us for a special evening as we officially kick off the 2025 Home Hill Harvest Festival! The Launch features the official introduction of our 2025 Festival Queens, representing local clubs, schools and organisations. A proud moment for our community as we celebrate spirit, culture and connection. Home Hill Community Sports Club SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Ephemera in the Park 3pm Immerse yourself in creativity at the Ephemera Launch. Explore captivating art i
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When Burdekin locals Ken and Shay Linton took the reins of Home Hill News in 2022, they knew they had big shoes to fill, following an 18-year legacy left by Shay’s parents. Three years, a rebrand, and a full expansion of products later, the couple have seen the business blossom into Home Hill News and Coffee—a thriving community favourite now proudly celebrating its third birthday. The project was set in motion when Ken, a local farmer, and Shay, who had always wanted to own a coffee shop, deci
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Over the weekend, 29 Ayr Surf Life Savers showcased their skills at the Arcadian Carnival, held at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island. The event was a resounding success, with competitors achieving outstanding individual and team results, earning numerous podium finishes across all age groups, and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship throughout. Saturday featured a full slate of individual events, surf teams, and beach relays, while Sunday was a highlight with thrilling water team relays, drawing c
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Home Hill Bowls Club enjoyed a busy week of action on the greens, with club singles, triples, pairs, and rinks all contested. On Thursday, three games of club singles were played alongside two triples and two pairs. Michael Young defeated Tony Eadie on Rink 2, while Alex Bojack narrowly overcame Mick McClosky on Rink 3. Wayne Newton accounted for Jeff Taylor on Rink 4. In the triples and pairs, Henry Hazel, Ron Smith, and Des Chapman defeated Bob Pickard, Sandra Darwin, and Bruce McCallum on Rin
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The Home Hill Third Grade cricket side started their 2025/26 season with a home game against a young Brothers side. In a tightly contested Third Grade CNQ fixture, Brothers – Urban Aspect Interiors edged past Home Hill by 11 runs in a low-scoring thriller. Both sides showcased disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, but it was Brothers’ ability to capitalize on key moments that sealed the win. Brothers won the toss and chose to bat. Wickets fell early before Callum Lindeberg top-scored with a
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Nineteen-year-old Hayde Munro has etched his name into Burdekin Roosters history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the coveted A Grade Player of the Year award. Munro, who began playing rugby league at the age of five, was presented with the honour at the club’s annual presentation night at the Queens Hotel in Ayr on Friday. The gifted lock forward also enjoyed a strong season with the Townsville Blackhawks under-19 side, playing alongside fellow Roosters Jye Olsen and Terrence Mosby. Ha
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It’s been another big week at the Ayr Bowling Club with a highlight being the Wilmar Club Challenge played on Sunday 21st September. Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the event, and it was a great day of bowling with Giru, Home Hill, Brandon and Ayr competing for the Wilmar Shield. This was the first year this event was played with Brandon taking home the Shield, congratulations to Brandon. Ayr finished third which was a fantastic effort against some quality bowlers in the Burdekin region. Let’s now
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Just days after Burdekin cane farmers outlined opportunities and expressed concerns about the industry, they have also secured a new ally according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP. As part of an inquiry charged with identifying growth opportunities for the sugar industry, the Queensland parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee heard from both grower groups and growers who are exploring opportunities in Townsville recently. “This inquiry represents an opportunity for industr
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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc (Zonta) and the Burdekin Domestic and Family Abuse Prevention Network (BDFAPN) are coming together to mark the campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a community vigil at the Burdekin Theatre forecourt on Monday, 25 November 2025. The 16 Days of Activism, commencing on 25 November, is a global campaign that unites individuals and organisations worldwide in calling for the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence in all its forms. As
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With Home Hill Sergeant Sam Pyke Between 1am at 5am 28 August 2025 a Toyota Rav 4 was stolen from a Twelfth Avenue address in Home Hill. At about 1pm the same day, local Police located the stolen vehicle in Ayr. An 18 year old male from Home Hill was arrested for various property offences and remanded in custody. A 15 year old and a 16 year old were also arrested and charged with various offences and granted bail to appear in the Ayr Children Court on a later date. Since 28 August 2025 and 18
Read moreSATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Ayr Motorcycle Club – Founders’ Day Racing from 2pm Celebrate the club’s history and watch thrilling racing action at Ayr Motorcycle Club. The day features special night races under lights, including the Bill Smith Memorial Race, Hyne/Taylor Shield for juniors, May Steel Memorial Race, and the Shirley Chard Trophy for the top female rider. Licensed bar and canteen available. Ayr Motorcycle Club, Ayr SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER Ephemera in the Park 3pm Immerse yourself in creativit
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Following an impressive cameo with opera superstar Paul Tabone, the Home Hill Choral Society brings their all-new show, Viva La Italia, to The Vault this weekend for a night of song, skits, and snacks, all with an Italian undertone.With shows from Friday 26 through Sunday 28, the program promises a mix of classic Italian anthems—including a rendition of That's Amore!—along with the group's renowned comedy sketches and a touch of audience participation."We like people to become part of the show,"
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Feeling cramped at home? Clever storage solutions can transform even the smallest spaces, making your rooms feel more organised and spacious without a major renovation. One simple trick is to utilise vertical space. Floating shelves in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms not only provide extra storage but also draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height. Over-door racks and hooks are another underrated option, perfect for storing shoes, towels, or bags without taking up floor space. U
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Last Wednesday’s Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting proved an eye-opener for many in attendance, as local members gathered to hear from guest speakers Natalie Saroglia of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), and Jenny Cummings of the Burdekin Shire Council. Long-time BNC coordinator Saroglia opened the session, outlining the harsh realities of homelessness and unemployment in the local community, and the BNC’s role in addressing them. Cummings then shared details of the upcoming Burdeki
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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill, with dispersal measures underway at Lloyd Mann Park and Arch Dunn Park. The activities, running between 4:00am and 6:30am as required, are designed to reduce roosting numbers and limit potential negative interactions between wildlife and the community. Council said only non-harmful techniques are being used, beginning with low-impact visual deterrents such as LED flashing lights. If numbers persi
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