Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
When an 80-year-old Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, his goal was twofold; retire himself and his wife Gayl, and create something for his daughter Kayleen and her husband to sink their teeth into. He never quite anticipated that four years on, he'd be handing them the keys to a multi-million-dollar operation spanning a large chunk of North Queensland, becoming something of a poster boy for the Jim’s franchise in the meantime. And after a journey of rapid business growth and national media coverage, Geoff’s finally getting the retirement he originally set out for. Kayleen and husband Stan joined Geoff in the Burdekin last month, leaving their life in Perth to take the reins of the franchise and finally give her parents a chance to step back. “We literally packed up our whole life. My husband retired from trucking after 49 years, and now we’re here to try and retire the parents,” Kayleen said. The couple now have the task of building on everything Geoff has created. It began as a relatively modest Cannonvale franchise. Within a year, it had clients across Airlie Beach, Townsville and the Burdekin. All the while, Geoff, who had spent most of his life in mining and construction, had become one of Jim’s Mowing’s biggest success stories, appearing on Australian television to tell his story. And his formula is simpler than you would imagine. “I’ve never passed an exam in my life,” he quipped. “Everything I've achieved is through respect, integrity, loyalty, and common sense.” Kayleen added: “We’ve got big shoes to fill.” “We’ll just keep it as it’s running and expand as we go. As long as we have [Geoff] still here, we’ll be fine!” Kayleen steps into Jim’s Mowing with pedigree of her own, having previously run her own Perth cleaning business with 38 private customers before making the move east. Her experience comes at a time when the business has expanded well beyond its mowing roots, now operating across the region under three Jim’s banners—Mowing, Handyman and, most recently, Window & Pressure Cleaning. The team handles everything from regular lawn mowing, gardening, pruning and hedging to rubbish removal, weed spraying and gutter cleaning, as well as home and office cleaning and pressure cleaning. But Kayleen said the business and its services are only as good as the people behind them. “Our staff are our extended family,” she said. “If we didn’t have the team we have now, we wouldn’t have the business.” And with family now steering the ship, Geoff says the business is preparing for “quite a few developments” involving multinational companies. But for now, he's just “really proud” to have his daughter onboard. “What parent wouldn’t be?” For more information on the business and its services, contact Kayleen on 0437 368 060 or Geoff on 0439 799 544 CAPTION: When Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, he wanted to create something for his daughter Kayleen to sink their teeth into. Photo: Jacob Casha.
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Contributed with thanks by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. The funding will support the Rotary Club of Home Hill's major 2026 project to purchase an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local Queensland Police, helping officers reach rural and difficult to access locations across the district. Rotary has set a fundraising target of $40,000 for the project, with the Community Bank contribution providing an important boost as the club moves closer to achieving its goal. The club hopes to present the ATV to local police during October. Rotary Club of Home Hill President Clive Williams said the idea emerged after local police officers attended one of the club's weekly meetings and spoke about the need for an ATV. Police had previously sought funding through normal government channels but had been unsuccessful due to budget constraints. Recognising the difference such a vehicle could make locally, Rotary decided it was a project worth getting behind. The ATV would provide police with greater access during floods, disasters and other incidents, particularly in locations such as cane fields, beaches, river areas and other terrain that can be difficult to reach using conventional vehicles. Mr Williams said having the equipment based locally was particularly important for the Burdekin. “For me, it’s about having the right equipment here when our police need it, rather than waiting for an ATV to come from Townsville,” he said. “The Burdekin has plenty of challenging terrain and, particularly during a flood or other emergency, having those wheels on the ground locally can make a real difference to response times and community safety.” The project has the potential to benefit people right across the district. For a community service organisation such as Rotary, Mr Williams said a $15,000 contribution represented an enormous step forward. Not only does it provide considerable momentum towards the $40,000 target, but it also demonstrates the value local organisations and businesses can have. The club continues to support local charities and organisations, youth initiatives including the RYDA road safety program, and community events such as the Mega Markets and Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Ball. Recent financial support has also been provided to CORES, St Vincent de Paul and the Burdekin Chaplaincy. “There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the money raised by local people and businesses stays here and is turned into something that makes a tangible difference to our neighbours, families and the wider community,” Mr Williams said. With only a few thousand dollars now remaining to reach the target, Rotary Club of Home Hill is encouraging local businesses and community members who would like to support the project to contribute to its GoFundMe campaign. For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, supporting the project reflects its commitment to ensuring money generated within the community continues to create benefits for the people who live there. CAPTION: A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Photo supplied.
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Opinion of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox I welcome the commencement of new overtaking lanes at Goorganga Plains, which will deliver an important safety improvement for motorists travelling between Proserpine and Mackay. I have been advocating for safety upgrades along this section of the Bruce Highway since my time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and I have continued that advocacy since being elected as the Federal Member for Dawson. There simply aren't enough safe opportunities to overtake between Proserpine and Mackay, so these new lanes are a welcome step forward. But we cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway, flooding. The latest announcement confirms that while construction is underway on the overtaking lanes, the major flood resilience works are still only at the design stage. That is disappointing. The proposed project would raise around 10.6 kilometres of the Bruce Highway, improve drainage and deliver new bridges and intersection upgrades to keep this critical connection open for longer during major weather events. After years of flooding, closures and repeated repairs, we should be moving towards construction by now, not still designing the solution. Every wet season that passes means more disruption for local communities, more uncertainty for freight operators and tourism, and potentially more taxpayer dollars spent repairing infrastructure that we already know needs to be made more resilient. We have known about the vulnerability of this section of the Bruce Highway for years. How many more wet seasons do we have to go through before we get on with the job of fixing it properly? I welcome the investment in passing lanes, and I will continue to support practical safety improvements along the Bruce. But the Government needs to provide some clarity on the flood resilience project. Why is it taking so long to get this critical upgrade from design to construction? Dawson needs a Bruce Highway that is not only safer to drive on when the sun is shining, but one that can keep communities connected when the rain comes. We don't need another wet season of temporary fixes. We need the long-term infrastructure investment this region deserves. CAPTION: “We cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway—flooding.” Photo supplied.
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Ayr Police and Ayr CIB, with assistance from Home Hill, Giru and Clare police, have recently been targeting drug offences, with a number of people charged or diverted over the past fortnight. 11th September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Conlan Street, Ayr, where methylamphetamine, cannabis and drug utensils were located. The 35-year-old male resident was charged with possession of dangerous drugs exceeding schedule, possessing utensils and possessing a weapon. He was released on bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19th October. 7th September — Wunjunga[Text Wrapping Break]A 38-year-old Townsville man was charged with drug driving after being intercepted by police at Wunjunga. The man tested positive to methamphetamine. 6th September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr, and located drugs during a search. A 50-year-old Home Hill man was drug diverted in relation to the matter. 5th-7th September — Ayr/Townsville[Text Wrapping Break]A house on Edwards Street, Ayr, was broken into on 5th September and a vehicle was stolen. On 7th September, two youths were located in possession of the stolen vehicle in Townsville. A 14-year-old girl was charged with burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, fraud, unlicensed driving and three counts of breach of bail. A 15-year-old boy was charged with burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, fraud and one count of breach of bail. Police opposed the youths' bail and both have been remanded in custody. 5th-6th September — Home Hill[Text Wrapping Break]A Home Hill business was broken into late on 5th September and items were stolen. Police identified the suspects and, on 6th September, charged a 14-year-old Home Hill girl and a 12-year-old Ayr girl with entering premises and committing an indictable offence. Both youths are now on strict bail conditions pending their upcoming court appearance. 3rd September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police observed a 26-year-old man doing a burnout on Queen Street, Ayr. He was subsequently intercepted and charged with drink driving and wilfully making unnecessary noise. 3rd September — Home Hill[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle on Fourteenth Street, Home Hill. The 42-year-old male driver was charged with drink driving. 2nd September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A 32-year-old Ayr woman was charged with 13 counts of supplying a dangerous drug, methylamphetamine. The alleged offending occurred between 19th July and 23rd August. The woman is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19th October. 2nd September — Brandon[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle at Brandon and subsequently located drug paraphernalia during a search. A 36-year-old woman was issued with a Notice to Appear in Court for possessing drug utensils and unlicensed driving. 1st September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A couple reported the stealing of a bag containing personal property and $9000 in cash. Police inquiries immediately identified possible suspects, resulting in an emergent search of a residence in Brisbane Street, Ayr, where the stolen property was located. Two 45-year-old Ayr women were issued with Notices to Appear in Court for possessing stolen property and possessing a drug utensil. A 31-year-old Townsville man and a 15-year-old Ayr youth were also located in possession of drug paraphernalia and accepted a drug diversion for possessing a utensil. 1st September — Alva Beach Police executed a search warrant at an address in Alva Beach and located drugs and utensils. A 32-year-old man was charged with five drug offences. 1st September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A 57-year-old Sunshine Coast man was charged with drink driving after being intercepted for an RBT on Edwards Street, Ayr.
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Contributed by the Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP Illegal dumpers in the Burdekin are being put on notice, with the Crisafulli Government funding a dedicated officer to help Burdekin Shire Council catch offenders and clean up the local community. Burdekin Shire Council will receive $270,000 through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program to strengthen local compliance, surveillance and enforcement. The funding will support a dedicated Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer focused on identifying illegal dumping, investigating incidents and building cases against offenders. The three-year tenured position will provide a focused effort of preventing waste materials entering waterways in three main areas along the Burdekin River and Anabranch as well as the northern and southern boundaries. It is part of a $13.7 million investment over three years by the government to support 52 Queensland councils in the fight against illegal dumping. Across Queensland, councils cleaned up more than 13,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste last year—equivalent to more than 1,200 garbage truck loads. Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said illegal dumping was a scourge on local communities across Queensland. “Illegal dumping is a scourge on communities like the Burdekin. It damages our environment and leaves locals footing the bill to clean it up,” Minister Powell said. “Queenslanders deserve to live in clean communities and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our State such a great place to live. “If you think you can dump rubbish in the bush, on the side of the road or in the community and get away with it, think again.” Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP said empowering Burdekin Shire Council to take proactive action on illegal dumping was a crucial step towards providing cleaner community spaces that everyone can enjoy. “The new Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer will have the tools at their hands to properly investigate incidents and hold those offenders to account,” Mr Last said. “It’s no secret the Burdekin is renowned for the lifestyle it provides especially when it comes to our beaches, creeks and river systems. By doing our part to mitigate illegal dumping we ensure our favourite spots to get outdoors with our family remain pristine for generations to come.” CAPTION: Burdekin Shire Council will receive $270,000 through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program to strengthen local compliance, surveillance and enforcement. Photo: Burdekin Shire Council.
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What began as a modest fundraising goal has turned into an incredible show of Burdekin generosity, with $1,403.10 raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Organiser Kaylee Boccalatte initially hoped the fundraiser might collect around $200, but support from across the community saw the final total climb to more than seven times that amount. The funds could provide around a fortnight of accommodation for families needing a home away from home while their child receives care. Community members supported the cause by donating, buying raffle tickets, visiting the fundraising stall and spreading the word. Local businesses My Vibe Homewares and Slice of Europe also donated prizes, while Burdekin School lent a game board to support the fundraiser. Kaylee credited the result to the community, saying while her team collected the funds, the generosity behind the $1,403.10 total belonged to the Burdekin. A small idea, a big heart, and another beautiful example of locals looking out for others.
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A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means Adam heads into the weekend with momentumAdam Walton’s remarkable rise from the Burdekin to the world’s biggest tennis stage has reached a new milestone, with the 27-year-old named in Australia’s Davis Cup squad for this weekend’s clash with Poland.WALTON SET FOR DAVIS CUP DEBUT Home Hill tennis star Adam Walton is set for his senior debut in Green and Gold after being named in Australia’s five-man Davis Cup team. The 27-year-old will join world No.7 Alex de Minaur, James Duckworth, Rinky Hijikata and Max Purcell as Lleyton Hewitt’s men head to the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane for their World Group I tie against Poland this month. Walton’s selection follows a strong year for the world No.93, peaking when he defeated former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the French Open in May. A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means he heads into the weekend with momentum. Australia will enter the tie as favourites against a Polish side without its highest-ranked singles player, Hubert Hurkacz, who is managing his schedule following injury. The two nations will go head-to-head in two singles matches on Saturday 19th September, before doubles and two reverse singles matches on Sunday 20th September, with the first to claim three wins progressing to next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers. Whether Walton will feature remains uncertain, with team captains to select players for each match closer to the tie. Former coach, Home Hill Tennis Association Secretary Kate Casswell said the selection was a feather in his cap regardless. “I’d like to hope he sees the court—it often depends on how the others have gone in the singles to start with, and then who they pick for the doubles,” Mrs Casswell said. “[But] his journey is a great example of what regional tennis can achieve.” Mrs Casswell said Walton’s selection caps a remarkable rise to the world stage, typified by traits she had seen in him early on. “You could always see his stubbornness, determination, and his ‘never give up’ attitude,” she said. “Adam would go out and play kids that you would expect to beat him, but would just be there grinding and grinding. That takes you a very long way in the sport.” While unable to attend due to family commitments, Mrs Casswell said that she, like many others in Home Hill, will be glued to the TV this weekend. CAPTION: Walton’s selection follows a strong year for the world No.93, peaking when he defeated former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the French Open in May.
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Crowds lined Queen Street for the marquee event which, alongside the Mardi Gras, brought an end to the three-month festival calendar. Photo: Shay KratzmanA bumper crowd packed Queen Street on Saturday night as 45 floats brought the 2026 Water Festival to a spectacular close.Read more here: www.burdekinlife.com/article/45-float-finale-caps-off-2026-water-festival
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The Under 15s booked their spot in emphatic fashion, smashing Charters Towers 44-4 in Saturday’s preliminary final. Photo supplied.The Burdekin Roosters are chasing a premiership double this weekend, with both their Under 15 and Under 19 sides charging into grand finals. The Under 15s booked their spot in emphatic fashion, smashing Charters Towers 44-4 in Saturday’s preliminary final. Their older teammates had already secured their place in the Under 19 decider with a stirring 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final. For the Under 19s, Sunday’s clash with Brothers carries extra weight. The Roosters have not appeared in an Under 19 grand final for 25 years, with their last coming in 2001. There is a strong link between the two generations, with brothers and family members spread across both squads. The Under 19s have also been pushed hard by Brothers all season, with the Roosters winning two of their three meetings by just two and four points. Now, with the biggest games of the season looming, the Roosters have a chance to bring two trophies back to Burdekin.
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Burdekin school students will have a new sport to try, with free flag football kits being distributed to schools across Queensland. The National Football League (NFL) is providing a kit to every Queensland school, meaning schools in the Burdekin will also have access to equipment and resources to introduce students to the sport. Each kit contains 12 flag belts, three footballs and NFL Flag curriculum and teaching resources for schools. Flag football is a short-form, non-contact version of American football. Instead of tackling the ball carrier, players stop them by pulling a flag from a belt. The sport is played by more than 20 million people across more than 100 countries and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. It is also an eligible activity under the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program. Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said the kits would give students an opportunity to try a sport that is growing internationally. “This is a wonderful initiative by the NFL and will encourage more young Queenslanders to get out and be active,” Mr Mander said. “It’s great that our kids will now become more and more familiar with Flag Football before it makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in two years’ time.” Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the kits would give schools another option for getting students involved in sport. “Sport plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing, engagement and development,” Mr Langbroek said. “The NFL's provision of these kits gives Queensland schools another opportunity to get students active and introduce them to a new sport.” Flag football is already being played at several Queensland schools, including Burleigh Heads State School, Varsity College and Benowa State High School. NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said the program was aimed at making the sport more accessible to students. “Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement—especially across Queensland,” Ms Offord said. “These kits will provide more young people with pathways to learn the game.” The NFL said providing equipment free to schools would help reduce barriers for students wanting to try the sport.
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We've all heard of Oktoberfest. We know there's beer. We know there's music. We know there are rowdy Germans in jumpsuits. While you might have to travel a few thousand kilometres to find the latter, the rest will be at Hotel Pioneer in Brandon next weekend as it celebrates the famous German festival. The hotel will welcome locals young and old from 11.30am on Saturday 19th September for a day of live music, food, beer, and Oktoberfest-themed activities. With tunes courtesy of local musician Chris Quagliata, guests will go head-to-head in keg rolling, pretzel-eating competitions and a host of other challenges, with prizes up for grabs in each. And if you’re feeling extra German (or happen to have some Trachten lying around), rock up to the venue donning your best Oktoberfest outfit for a chance to be crowned “best dressed”. There’s no pressure to compete at all, though. The event will cater to locals of any age and beer-tolerance, with children’s activities keeping kids busy while taps flow throughout the day. Traditional German meals will also be available as part of an all-you-can-eat buffet. While it won’t quite be Munich, Hotel Pioneer General Manager Kirsten Loader said the spirit will be there in full. “I lived in Germany when I was younger. I wasn’t allowed to partake because I was quite young (laughs), but I’ve seen how much fun they are,” Kirsten said. “We won’t have the big tents, but we’re going to have a live performer, games, beer, and lots of food, which I think is the main premise.” Tickets for the event are already available online, each including a special Oktoberfest meal and a beer. $15 commemorative Hotel Pioneer steins will also be available on the day. Book now by visiting https://thepioneer.com.au/elementor-1030/ or calling 47 82 5255. CAPTIONS: 1—Hotel Pioneer will welcome locals young and old from 11.30am on Saturday, 19th September for a day of live music, food, beer, and Oktoberfest-themed activities. 2—Guests will go head-to-head in keg rolling, pretzel-eating competitions and a host of other challenges, with prizes up for grabs in each. Photos supplied.
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Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to remain close to record levels this financial year, despite challenging seasonal conditions and higher fuel and fertiliser costs. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has forecast the gross value of agricultural production will reach $99.4 billion in 2026-27. The figure would be the second-highest on record, following agricultural production exceeding $100 billion in 2025-26. When fisheries and forestry are included, the combined value of production is forecast to exceed $105 billion. ABARES has also forecast the value of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports to reach $80.8 billion in 2026-27, which would be the third-highest result on record. The forecast comes as producers face higher input costs and difficult seasonal conditions, with the Federal Government saying disruption linked to the war in the Middle East is also affecting fuel and fertiliser costs. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the forecast demonstrated the resilience of Australian producers. “This latest forecast shows that despite challenging seasonal conditions and disruption from the war in the Middle East which is impacting globally, our agricultural production value continues to remain strong,” Ms Collins said. She said the Government would continue working with farmers and producers on trade opportunities and support measures. Assistant Agriculture Minister Anthony Chisholm said producers were continuing to adapt to changing climate and geopolitical conditions. The Government said it was investing more than $14 billion through its Strengthening Australia’s Fuel Resilience package, which includes measures aimed at securing fuel and fertiliser supplies. It is also providing an additional $1 billion in concessional loans through the Regional Investment Corporation from this financial year. According to the Government, farmers saved about $34 million in interest payments during the first half of 2026 through Regional Investment Corporation lending. Mr Chisholm said the Government would continue working with industry to improve productivity, expand market opportunities and maintain Australia’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets. CAPTION: Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to remain close to record levels this financial year, despite challenging seasonal conditions and higher fuel and fertiliser costs.
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In the last week of August, Ayr State High School turned purple for its annual Wear It Purple Day, supporting members of the school community who identify as LGBTIQA+ and recognising those who are respectful and supportive allies. As well as rolling out the purple T-shirts and decor, members of Headspace Townsville and the Burdekin Community Association attended the event to share resources about mental health and wellbeing with students. Co-founded in 2010 by Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams, Wear It Purple Day was established in response to concerns about bullying, exclusion and a lack of acceptance among young people. This year's theme, Colours of Courage, focused on the bravery involved in creating inclusive and welcoming spaces. “This event focuses on celebrating diversity, inclusion and raising awareness so that every person who attends Ayr High feels safe, respected and supported, as receiving an education is important to future opportunities,” a school spokesperson said. Beyond opening up important conversations among students, the annual initiative serves as a reminder that creating an inclusive community is a shared responsibility that begins with courage – a courage to stand up not only for yourself, but for others too.
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Sarah O’Shea, 18, representing Burdekin Netball Association. Sarah is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education while also navigating work at Burdekin Printers, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, and her commitments to reserve grade netball and club netball. Through being a Harvest Festival Queen, Sarah hopes to meet new people and experience new opportunities and challenges. She is passionate about being involved in her local community and enjoys connecting with people through sport and work. Sarah hopes to use this experience to grow in confidence, create lasting memories, and represent Burdekin Netball club and the Burdekin community with pride. Sarah Shepherd, 21-year-old, representing Home Hill Tennis Association. Sarah has been living in the Burdekin for over 19 years. She enjoys being in the great outdoors, either camping or down the beach or when she’s not doing that, she’s spending time with her closest friends. She is in her second year of studying primary education and when she is not studying, she works as a disability support worker. Sarah looks forward to the opportunity to represent the club she enjoys being a part of. Sarah looks forward to all the festivities and creating new bonds with the fellow queens and the community. Maddison Gallagher ,20, is proudly representing the Home Hill Rotary Club, an organization that she is greatly inspired by, she has seen firsthand how incredible the Rotary Club as organization has helped children with Disabilities including her own older sister who suffers with a rare Syndrome and has seen all the hard work and determination that they put back into the community, she is honored and proud to be doing her harvest festival journey with such an amazing group of people, she works full time at Home HILL IGA as the bakery manager ,in her free time you’ll she her out and about fishing with family down the creek or down at the local market selling cookies as she owns a baked goods business, she’s not Originally from the Burdekin but has done a hole lap of Australia and decided to call this little town home and has lived here for the last four years, she is so thrilled to have the chance to take place in this year’s Harvest festival and cannot wait to get out and about in her community Representing Home Hill/ Ayr loins club is Julea Farry who is 18 years old. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at James Cook University. Julea was vice captain at Burdekin Christian college graduating in 2025. Julea is excited to be involved in the 2026 home hill Harvest festival and is excited to be representing Home Hill/Ayr Lions club. When Julea isn’t studying you can find her down the creek fishing, playing football for the Burdekin rugby Union cane toads or socialising with the girls at a rodeo. She is very excited to build relationships with the other queen entrants and is looking forward to attending the community events.
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Thursday 10 September Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 11 September Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Saturday 12 September Car Boot Sale, 8am-12pm, Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark, Home Hill Giru Show Saturday, 8am-5pm Enjoy a true country day out at the Giru Show, featuring local exhibits, market stalls, live entertainment, machinery displays, yard games and family fun, including a lolly drop and sugarcane competition at Brolga Park. Brolga Park, 11 Carey Street, Giru Ayr Golf Club Men’s Open Championship, 10:30am, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr Sunday 13 September Ayr Golf Club Men’s Open Championship, 8:30am, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr Monday 14 September Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 15 September RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Wednesday 16 September Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social & Networking Event, 5:30pm-7pm, Home Hill Community Sports Club, 87 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill Thursday 17 September Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Cuppa, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Friday 18 September Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Saturday 19 September Beanies for Brain Cancer Triples Bowls Competition, 8:30am, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon Beanies for Bran Cancer Barefoot Bowls Social Night, 6:30pm, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon Sunday 20 September Cungulla Auto Show, 9am-1pm, 34-37 Empress Close, Cungulla Monday 21 September Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Tuesday 22 September RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Wednesday 23 September Morning Melodies What’s New Pussycat Wednesday, 11am-12:30pm Step back into the swinging sixties with What’s New Pussycat, a feel-good Morning Melodies show packed with iconic hits, soaring vocals, cheeky humour and cabaret flair, celebrating legends like Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin and The Beatles in style. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/Whats-New-Pussycat. Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
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John Winn has been honoured for over two decades of voluntary executive leadership with the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) following his decision to step down as Deputy Local Controller. John was presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation recognising his 26-year tenure in executive roles, which included nine years as Ayr Group Leader alongside terms as Acting Local Controller, Local Controller, and Deputy Local Controller. Current Local Controller Cheryl Wade said the award was a rare gesture, presented to acknowledge his “above and beyond support as a volunteer”. “John would jump at a call to serve and protect his community,” she said. John has spent 38 years with the SES, joining in 1988 after Cyclone Charlie swept through his home community of Alva Beach. Since then, he has responded to cyclones, floods, and search operations across Queensland, with deployments reaching as far north as Innisfail and as far south as Grantham. As of November last year, John had logged 11,232 hours of volunteer community service—though he said the actual figure was considerably higher once after-hours calls, maintenance, and administrative work were taken into account. That commitment is a family legacy. His wife Rosemarie has given 31 years to the SES, while their children Nathan, Brendan, and Megan have all served. Together with extended family, the Winn family’s total contribution to the Burdekin SES stands at 148 years of volunteer service. John said the motivation behind those decades of service comes down to the reaction on the ground. “Perhaps the best part of the SES is the ‘thanks’ you see on people’s faces when you and other SES members show up to assist them in what is their darkest hours,” he said. While stepping down from his executive responsibilities, John will remain with the Burdekin SES Ayr Group as a Senior Field Officer. He encouraged community members to consider getting involved. “There is always a role for anyone who wants to join,” he said. “Everyone has something to give.” Anyone interested in joining can attend a Burdekin SES Monday night meeting at 7pm at 4 McCathie Street, Ayr Industrial Estate. CAPTION: John Winn has been recognised for 26 years of volunteer executive leadership with the Burdekin State Emergency Service as he steps back from his role as Deputy Local Controller. Photo supplied.
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It all started with basketball and barbecues. That was Gerald Henaway’s answer to the youth crime plaguing the Burdekin 40 years ago. Gerald, a Burdekin local and youth worker at the time, recalled a period that saw nearly three break-and-enters a day. Meanwhile, illegal marijuana operations riddled the Burdekin River, property theft was running rampant, and the Indigenous community’s reputation was paying the price. He knew something had to change. “I saw all these indigenous kids getting involved in drugs and committing offences … and I wanted to make a difference,” Gerald said. “The mayor, Townsville Police and local service providers—we all sat down to address the crime which was real bad at the time, and started with basketball and barbecues. “We threw money out of our own pockets, and it all just grew out of that.” Those efforts gave rise to BAYWatch—Burdekin Area Youth Watch—which, four decades later, has grown into an award-winning youth program supporting more than 100 Indigenous and disadvantaged local children. And the mission hasn’t budged. “We just want to see these kids bring real value to the community,” Gerald said. He said the group is a way to keep children and young adults connected, educated, and active, prying them away from crime. And if you’ve ever wandered past their Cunningham Street hangout in Ayr, you’d see they keep quite busy. Led by Gerald, wife Ollie Henaway, daughter Geraldine Henaway, Ian Zaro, and Mary-Anne Haller, the program offers a six-day-a-week after-school program that engages children in everything from touch football and basketball to rugby league, tennis, soccer, hockey and ten-pin bowling. It’s not just about sport, though. From learning to drive and obtaining a licence to mowing lawns, fishing trips, camps and church activities, the group prides itself on giving children opportunities to learn practical life skills they might otherwise never have the chance to develop. But this sustained effort, alongside recent cuts to government support, has made the program increasingly difficult to operate. After relying on government funding for over 20 years, the organisation was asked to transition its service towards casework with a much smaller group of approximately 15 young people. But Gerald refused to cull the network of children he was helping, knowing it meant a significant chunk of funding would be lost. "We didn’t want to change what we were doing,” he said. Now, the program relies solely on donations to help it cover running costs, including maintaining the three buses that transport kids to and from daily activities. “I don’t think there’s anyone in Australia that does all these things with this amount of money,” Gerald said. “I’ve had people and businesses come up to me and say, ‘If you weren’t doing all this, we’d have a lot more problems here.”’ After four decades of tackling youth crime at its grassroots, BAYWatch is asking the Burdekin to help it keep doing what it does best. Help BAYWatch help our community. Donate here: Account name: Burdekin Area Youth Watch Incorporated BSB: 654-000 Account No: 64291584 CAPTION: (L-R) Leaders Ian Zaro, Gerald Henaway, Ollie henaway, and Mary-Anne Haller, in front of the organisation’s Cunningham Street hangout. Photo: Jacob Casha.
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