The Rotary Club of Home Hill celebrated what was a successful 2025 for the club by doing what it does best: giving back. The club marked its final meeting of the year by donating a total of $3,500 to three Burdekin-based organisations, selected by both the Rotary Club and it's Home Hill Harvest Festival queen, Eden Betteridge, on the basis of their roles in supporting the community. Among recipients was CORES Queensland, the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, and the Burdekin Combined Chapla
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The Burdekin community will gather in festive spirit on the grounds beside PCYC this Sunday, 14 December, for the Bendigo Community Bank – Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols. From 5:30pm, families can expect an evening of festive music and fun, beginning with a performance by the Burdekin Brass Band to welcome attendees. Local stage production coordinator Monica Licciardello will lead a programme of favourite carols—with a few surprises—while Santa Claus will make a special appearance to deligh
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Ayr is gearing up for one of its biggest community events of the year, with the annual Christmas Street Party set to light up the town on Thursday night, 18th December. This year’s event brings extra excitement, with a massive $25,000 worth of vouchers to be given away to lucky locals. The major prize draw will take place at 8:00pm in front of the BCA building, and residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot. The Street Party aims to inspire the community to shop locally thi
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Queensland’s agricultural sector is calling for stronger consultation and clearer regulations as the Federal Government undertakes a major overhaul of Australia’s environmental laws. The reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act were the focus of Environment Minister Murray Watt’s recent National Press Club address. In response, AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said producers are prepared to engage immediately to ensure the new laws protect the env
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With Christmas just around the corner, Ruralquip is embracing the season of giving with the return of its highly anticipated Milwaukee Powered Up One Day Event™ — rolling out major deals, exciting giveaways, and even firing up the barbecue on Thursday, 11th December. Now in its fifth year hosted by Ruralquip, the One Day Event has become a staple for local tradies, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone chasing reliable gear or last-minute Christmas gifts. This year is expected to be the biggest yet, with
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In June this year, Burdekin mum Andrea Wood became the first Uber Eats driver in Ayr after a flyer in the mail piqued her interest. Just about every day since, she's been whizzing around in her famous blue hatchback, delivering far more than just food. A Queensland Country Bank employee by day, by night, Andrea becomes the "Uber Lady," delivering not only combos and late-night cravings, but meaningful connections and moments of joy that have left their mark on the town. It was in her first wee
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The Country Girl Who Became a Golf Legend By Jacob Casha Alberta, Canada, 1999. Five strokes off the lead at the du Maurier Classic, a 24-year-old Karrie Webb looked every bit the underdog—but she was used to that. Hole by hole, she clawed her way back, sinking four birdies in her last five holes, each one a rebellion against the script. A declaration that a country girl could not only stand among the world’s best, but best them. And by the end of the 18th, after a deft chip and a clinical putt
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Coming to the Burdekin always has a sense of coming home, and every time I visit it is wonderful to see the welcoming smile of familiar faces, people in the community that I’ve now known for more than two years. The Burdekin Shire Council Industry Breakfast is an event I love attending. Not only do you get a hot cooked breakfast, you also instantly get a true taste of local life as everyone greets each other and settles in for a morning of networking. Last week, I was excited to introduce our
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Ayr-based disability support organisation Flexi Queensland is celebrating a major funding boost after being awarded $14,000 through the 2025 ANZ Seeds of Renewal program. The grant will support the organisation’s Sustainable SILS project, which will enhance Supported Independent Living homes through the installation of solar panels - reducing energy costs and improving long-term sustainability for residents living with a disability. The Seeds of Renewal program—now in its 23rd year—is a partner
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A decade-long connection has resulted in one of the largest single contributions to date for Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission, with the Neilson Foundation confirming a $250,000 donation to support research into Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Burdekin-born Pedersen first encountered representatives from Kerr Neilson’s investment network roughly ten years ago, when he was invited to speak at a business forum at The Ville. “Around ten years ago, I was asked to address a business for
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Last week’s Burdekin Industry Breakfast once again proved a valuable connection point, linking local businesses, organisations and industry stakeholders to emerging opportunities and key information ahead of disaster season. From 7:00am to 8:30am, operators from across the region gathered in the Burdekin Theatre foyer for breakfast and a program of updates, networking and discussions with some of North Queensland’s leading businesses and institutions. Matt Heley from CQUniversity outlined how
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Opinion Piece bu Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox The latest round of the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program is a major disappointment for the Dawson electorate, with the Albanese Labor Government failing to provide meaningful investment in one of Australia’s largest and most critical regional highways. Of the $9 billion announced for the Bruce Highway, $7.2 billion from the Federal Government and the rest from the State, only $500 million is allocated to these projects, and the work
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16 Days of Activism Event Shines a Light in the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt The Burdekin community came together in solidarity on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 marking the start of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. The event, held at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt in Ayr, saw passionate participation from a range of local organisations, students, and residents, all united under a single aim: to raise awareness and take action to end gender-based violence. The e
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Wow, isn’t it hot! I hope everyone is staying hydrated and checking in on one another -especially our elderly residents. Here we are in December already, with Christmas just around the corner. Our community is sparkling with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a wonderful festive atmosphere. It’s a great family outing, especially for those with young children who are always excited by the lights. Another treat is to stop by any Telstra phone box and dial #46 46 46 to have a chat with Sa
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We’re getting closer to that special time of year. I can feel the excitement building, decorations are going up and that certain Christmas spirit coming forth. The Burdekin Craft Spectacular held at the Burdekin Memorial Hall Saturday attracted attendees and stallholders from far and wide. If you haven’t attended one, put it on your calendar for next year, especially if you have an interest in craft. The on-site workshops proved popular with attendees. Home Hill Choral Society wrapped up the y
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As the wet season once again builds on North Queensland's horizon Member for Burdekin Dale Last has held steadfast on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to 'build back better' including the need to improve a crucial flood-prone link on the Bruce Highway. In February this year, significant rainfall and flooding across the region saw the Bruce Highway cut at Plantation Creek causing chaos for local industries and stranding interstate travellers, something Mr Last says needs a permanent soluti
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As 2025 approaches, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with powerful community moments — each one a reminder of how local partnerships can create real change. Among the standout highlights was the strong support shown for Burdekin Catholic High School’s Stand Up Sleep Out, an initiative driven by a passionate group of student leaders determined to shine a light on homelessness in the region. Although homelessness is often seen as a “big city” issue, s
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing As we near the end of the year, it has been an important time to reconnect with Burdekin growers and hear how the season has unfolded. Next week, we will be hosting market update sessions at Inkerman Mill and the Clare Club – both on Thursday 11 December. These sessions are a valuable chance to sit down with growers, talk through the current price environment, and discuss the range of tools available to help manage risk and protect farm income. They al
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CANEGROWERS has welcomed the appointment of Peter Trimble as the new Chair of Sugar Terminals Limited (STL), calling it an important opportunity to restore confidence and unity across the sugar industry following a period of division. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said growers are hopeful the new leadership will bring renewed stability, transparency and genuine engagement to STL. “Queensland’s sugar terminals are industry-owned assets. Growers paid two-thirds of the original construction c
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Queensland’s much-loved giant mud crab populations are thriving, with a major new study reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to maintaining a world-class and sustainable fisheries industry. A recently completed study led by Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and co-funded by the Australian Government through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has confirmed that there is no current threat to the sustainability of the species. The research highligh
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Queensland agrifood innovators are being encouraged to step forward, with applications now open to join Team Queensland at evokeAG 2026, Australia’s premier agrifood technology and innovation event. Primary producers, Queensland-based businesses, social enterprises, startups and AgTech ecosystem leaders are invited to apply for the opportunity to represent the state at the international event, which will be held in Melbourne on 17 and 18 February 2026. Department of Primary Industries Acting D
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Jo Gabiola’s Real Estate Journey Jo Gabiola has been helping the Burdekin find their homes for over 15 years, and her dedication to the community shows in every aspect of her work. Born in Ayr but now situated at Alligator Creek, Jo still travels 40 minutes each way to meet clients, typifying the commitment that has made her a trusted local agent. Her career in real estate has spanned more than a decade, but Jo’s connection with people started long before she held a license. She managed the Hom
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The Ayr Industrial Precinct is on the brink of completion, marking a major step forward in expanding business opportunities across North Queensland. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the precinct will be a key driver of economic growth and investment for the region. “Council is thrilled to see the Ayr Industrial Precinct taking shape and nearing completion,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “This project represents a major investment in the future of the Burdekin, providing well-loca
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After a stellar 2025 lineup, the Burdekin Theatre has announced its 2026 Morning Melodies season, promising a sonorous combination of music, storytelling, and nostalgia for audiences across the region. The fresh six-show lineup will feature an array of performers, from well-known acts to rising stars. Tickets for each show are $15—except the free, end-of-year Christmas spectacular—and include a complimentary morning tea from 10:00am, with performances starting at 11:00am. The season opens on W
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Grace Pimpinella celebrated an extraordinary milestone on 22 November, surrounded by family who travelled from Brisbane, Rockhampton, Gympie and Home Hill to honour her 90th birthday. With a beautiful cake and a joyful gathering, the day was filled with laughter, memories, and deep appreciation for a much-loved matriarch. Born and raised in Stanthorpe, Grace moved to Home Hill after marrying her husband, Guiseppi Pimpinella, with whom she shared a hardworking and devoted life on their Up River
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