Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
On the 19th of July the Ayr Surf Club hosted the Annual North Barrier Branch Presentation Night to wrap up the 2024-25 Season. The night is a celebration to recognise members from the seven clubs across the Branch - Forrest Beach, Arcadian, Townsville-Picnic Bay, Ayr, Eimeo, Mackay and Sarina - for their dedication, commitment and love of lifesaving in a variety of facets. Surf sports athletes, teams, coaches and officials were recognised as well as volunteers in their respective areas. Four of
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For Simon Yim, SKY Renewables is much more than a passion project. It’s a mission. Make no mistake—there’s plenty of passion involved. But for Simon, it’s not just about personal fulfilment; it’s about building something meaningful and, in turn, transforming the lives of cane farmers across Australia. After growing up in Hong Kong, Simon studied in Canada and the UK, qualifying as a solicitor in the late 1980s. Over the next three decades, he held senior roles across Asia in law, corporate str
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Over twenty years ago, the Burdekin Patchwork and Quilters found a way to turn their hobby into a way of giving back. Every year since, they've been patching the community with care, creatively repurposing their excess material and generously donating it to local organisations that need it more. This year was no different. On the 23rd of July, the group delivered a trolley full of freshly crafted knee rugs to the Regis Aged Care Centre in Ayr, where they'll bring warmth, colour and joy to
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One of the things I love most about the Burdekin is its diversity—on more levels than you might first think. There’s the sporting culture, for starters. Whether it’s rugby, cricket, netball, bowls, or something a little more niche, there’s always a game being played somewhere. You can wander from one field to another and find entirely different communities, each with its own passion and traditions. Then there’s the people—locals who’ve been here for generations and newcomers from every corner
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on local sporting clubs to register for Play On Sports Vouchers to ensure local kids can enjoy the benefits on offer. When applications opened to families on Monday morning systems were stretched almost to breaking point, but Mr Last believes many families and sporting organisations in the Burdekin may miss out on the opportunity. “From abseiling to gymnastics to Zumba, the range of sports and activities that can participate is almost endless,” Mr
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Burdekin police conducted a search warrant operation targeting drug offences on the 28th, 29th, 30th July. A total of 12 search warrants were executed within Giru, Ayr and Home Hill. As a result, 11 persons were charged with a total of 39 offences including Produce Drugs, Possess Drugs, Possess Proceeds of Crime along with weapon related offences. Almost 100 grams of methylamphetamine was seized and over 2 grams of cocaine. Two hydroponic setups were located with 76 plants and 1.3 kilograms of
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Ayr Police Station is now under historic new leadership, with veteran officer and former detective Lisa Shields becoming the station’s first-ever female Officer in Charge. With more than two decades of service behind her—including eight years in general duties and a substantial career as a detective—she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the top job in Ayr. "I feel honoured to be in this position," said Shields. “I look forward to working alongside the community to ensure the Burdek
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Councillor Amanda Hall For locals and newcomers to the Burdekin, have you ever really thought about the history that has made us what we are today? The Visit Burdekin website has a list of heritage experiences people can partake in, some of which are the Home Hill War Memorial in Memorial Park Home Hill, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists in Brandon, the Burdekin Diorama in Home Hill, Charlie’s Hill WWII Site just outside of Home Hill, the Ayr War Memorial at the Ayr Cemetery and the many h
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It was wonderful to see another group of young women take to the floor last weekend for their Debutante Ball, a special night that celebrates tradition, elegance and community. The debutantes looked absolutely stunning, and it was a great event. Congratulations to all the debutantes, their partners and families for a memorable evening. This Friday, I’ll be joining local students and community members in the Stand Up Sleep Out event. We will be braving the cold for an overnight event to raise awa
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A fresh burst of colour and creativity has landed on Edwards Street, Ayr, with the opening of Hey Flora—a new flower shop now offering delivery, everyday blooms, and arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other large-scale events. Officially opened on June 7, Hey Flora is the creation of Burdekin local Tegan Johnson, who brings six years of floral industry experience to the shop. Her carefully curated selection features blooms sourced from both North Queensland and interstate, with a focus on
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing In a volatile global sugar market, having the right marketing partner can make all the difference. Wilmar Grower Marketing is helping local cane growers take charge of their sugar price exposure with tailored support, flexible options, and proven results. As one of world’s largest sugar traders, Wilmar offers growers the confidence to navigate changing market conditions. Whether you're someone who wants hands-on involvement or would rather leave prici
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Your Farm, Your Voice Producers across Queensland’s Reef catchments are being invited to have their say on how farming regulations are written and understood. Queensland Agriculture is reviewing the regulated standards that apply to commercial sugarcane and banana cultivation and beef cattle grazing within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, as part of a statutory review. The aim is to ensure the rules are practical, evidence-based, and easy to follow—so they work better for both farmers and the
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A major milestone has been reached by Rural Aid this month, with the organisation proudly supporting its 200th farm through its nationally recognised Farm Recovery Events (FRE) program. The milestone was marked in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where volunteers are currently participating in the latest recovery event, running through until the 2nd of August. Since the FRE program began in 2018, Rural Aid has delivered hands-on support to more than 200 farms across the count
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By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman As we approach the midpoint of the 2025 crush, it’s clear this season is shaping up very differently to the one we endured last year. In 2024, widespread delays, mill breakdowns, and wet weather left many growers stuck in the paddock and well behind schedule. This year, thankfully, we’re in a better place. Dry conditions have helped keep the wheels turning. Some districts are even ahead of schedule, a rare but welcome sight. Mills are running more reliably
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To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade. Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade, offering something of
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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre invites all members of our community to come together with us in a supportive environment, regardless of their background or life experiences. We deeply value the sharing of stories, the exchange of knowledge, and the cultivation of strong, positive relationships among our members. Our aim is to create a true sense of belonging by uplifting one another through life’s various challenges. It is important to recognise that loneliness often arises from the percept
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It was shovels at the ready on Sunday, 27 July, as members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group joined local volunteers for National Tree Planting Day at the Landcare Centre in Ayr. With perfect weather, the Scouts rolled up their sleeves and got to work—digging, planting, watering, and mulching native trees. By the end of the morning, they’d lost count of how many they’d helped into the ground. “As Scouts, we’re always looking for ways to support our community and care for the environment,” said
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Feeling a little isolated, or just keen to meet new people? Loneliness Awareness Week is the perfect time to step out, get involved, and make meaningful connections—right here in the Burdekin. Friendship Bracelet Fun & Sausage Sizzle (Free) Get creative and share a few laughs at this feel-good event celebrating connection and community. Friday, 8 August 9:00am – 11:00am BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr Make a friendship bracelet, enjoy a free sausage sizzle, and leave with more than
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The Burdekin community came together on Wednesday, 30 July, for the annual Ready Set Go event—an initiative driven by passionate volunteers from the Burdekin Early Childhood Network and Ready Set Go committees. Held at Ayr Primary School Hall, the free morning event saw 24 stallholders—including local schools, community groups, and emergency services—offering vital information and support to families with children aged 0–5. Now in its ninth year, Ready Set Go aims to raise awareness of early ch
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The Burdekin community is invited to experience the future of farming, education, and innovation at Home Hill State High School’s Agricultural Precinct Open Day on Thursday, 21 August. Open Day will officially unveil the school’s purpose-built Agricultural Precinct and learning spaces – a significant investment in the region’s agricultural education and workforce development. This new facility integrates cutting-edge horticulture, aquaponics, protected cropping, and traditional farming practice
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Chris Lloyds Brings the Classics of Tony Bennett and Other Great Crooners to Burdekin Theatre The smooth sounds of timeless standards will echo through the Burdekin Theatre on Wednesday, August 13, as acclaimed Australian vocalist Chris Lloyds presents Morning Melodies: For the Love of Tony & Friends—a soulful musical salute to the great Tony Bennett and other legendary crooners. Backed by the virtuosic Jamie Rigg Band, Lloyds will take the audience on a nostalgic journey, spotlighting Bennett’
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Friday 8 August Ayve’s DISCO 6pm onwards Start practicing your dance moves for Burdekin Basketball Association’s Junior Ambassador, Ayve Cursio’s Community DISCO at the Den. Expect bright lights, great music, games, prizes, and a fully stocked canteen! The Den, 14-16 Little Drysdale Street, Ayr SATURDAY 9th AUGUST Saturday 8am to 2pm Home Hill Rotary club present their Harvest Festival Mega Markets. Many local and Travelling market holders offering a wide variety of goods featuring local hand
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A very good weekend for the Panthers, winning four and losing just one of the five matches played. On Saturday, away to Saints Eagles Souths the Premiers won 2-0 but the Reserves 0-1. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies defeated Wulguru 6-0, the Division 1 Men beat Warriors 5-2, and the Division 2 Men thumped JCU 7-0. This Saturday is Ladies Day with the Auction kicking off after the Premiers match. The Premiers and Reserves are at home to Estates, the Premiers at 7.00 and the Reserves at 5.00.
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Twenty-six players fronted on another perfect winter’s afternoon. A game of club singles and a game of club triples were held alongside three social triples matches. On Rink 5, Paul Vass edged out Des Chapman in a tight singles clash, 25–21. In the triples, Gary Nosworthy, Dino Poli and Hugh Montgomery proved too strong for Maude, Bob Pickard and Phil Marsden on Rink 3, winning 25–13. Rink 4 saw Michael Young, Elaine Young and Trevor Elton account for Bob Young, Ron Smith and Terry Feakes, 24–
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Three young Burdekin bowlers will put their skills to the test at the 2025 ANC Sunshine Coast Ultimate Tenpin Cup and Ultimate Teams Clash Junior Competitions over the week extending from Thursday the 14th of August until Wednesday the 20th of August. 14-year-old Aidan Butler, 14-year-old Chase Nucifora, and 16-year-old Xavier Jepsen will travel to the Sunshine Coast to compete in the CLS Townsville Jigsaw Team, and the trio could not be more excited to catch up with old friends and make new on
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