Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Sponsored by Eathorne’s Intersport, the Ayr Golf Club held their September Monthly Medal on Wednesday 18 September which saw some outstanding performances! In A Grade, Wendy Baker took the top spot, while Shirley Jones claimed victory in B Grade, followed closely by runner-up Gabby Cahill. C Grade was won by Donna Boccalatte, with Bev Andrews as the runner-up. There's still one more opportunity to qualify for the monthly medal final - congratulations to all the ladies! In a tribute to Ken Peagh
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On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 September, twelve bowlers took to the green at the Brandon Bowls Club in challenging conditions. The first game of triples saw Sandra Darwen, Vanda Ballao, and Helen Collins claim victory over Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Allan Garioch. In the second game, Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and Colleen Olsen triumphed against Bev Garioch, Darelle Pearce, and Margaret Chapman. Friday 20 September hosted a quiet evening at the club, with many die-hard Cowboys fans staying home
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The club is blessed with a team of dedicated women who tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. They organise weekly events like bingo and Trimmers (light exercise), and they’re always on hand to help when the club hall is hired out. These women are loyal, passionate, and always wearing a smile, making the club a welcoming place for all. While they prefer to remain humble and avoid recognition, their efforts deserve a heartfelt thank you. Newbie Bowling Questions:
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A new and exciting tournament is set to hit the greens every Saturday in October, offering bowlers a chance to showcase their skills. This inaugural event, marking the club's amalgamation with Queensland Bowls, features a fresh 3-bowl pairs format, with each Saturday functioning as an individual and independent competition. The dates for the tournament are as follows: • 5th October 2024 • 12th October 2024 • 19th October 2024 • 26th October 2024 The format ensures that winners
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Margaret Linton, the club’s highly respected secretary, has been a dedicated member of the bowling community for two years. Here’s a glimpse into her life:
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Local Although the Burdekin Panthers Premiers did not finish the 2024 season with any silverware, they were still one of the more successful teams. Individual honours went to Jay Leckenby, Golden Boot Winner with twenty goals, Jarrod Camer, Goalkeeper of the Year and Leighton Gallagher, Coach of the Year. In addition, in the FQPL Men’s Team of the Year, the Panthers had four players. Jarrod Camer, goalkeeper, Josh Valle, centre back and Ryan Scodellaro, midfield and Jay Leckenby, striker. The
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Saturday 28th - 1pm-5pm Sunday 29th - 9am-5pm Patrol (Group E) PC John Moloney PC Ann Moloney Tony Felesina Bella Moloney Jane Jones Gavin Jones Sophia Moloney Alissia Gibson Billy Gibson Danni Cughlin Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
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On 20 September, the Burdekin Roosters celebrated the conclusion of their 2024 season with a prestigious Presentation Night at Populins Hall. Many Roosters and Hens from juniors to seasoned players were recognised and congratulated for their efforts both on and off the field over the course of the evening, with many exceptional players highlighted for their commendable talents. Roosters A-grade forwards Henry Teutau and Lachlan Shepherd shared the prestigious Ayr Anzac Memorial Club Best and Fa
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Last week, a charity journey across Australia made its way through the Burdekin, where the local community came together to show their support. This thrilling ride has taken participants on the adventure of a lifetime, all in the name of raising funds for a worthy cause. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort joined the organisers for a short ride, donning a bike helmet to show her solidarity. Continued on page 3. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort joined the Scootaville organisers for a ride when they came to the Bur
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Volunteering is like a backstage pass to life—you're helping others, but you also get to experience new things, meet amazing people, and even discover hidden talents you didn’t know you had! It's not just about giving your time; it's about gaining perspective. Whether you're planting trees, mentoring students, or feeding puppies at the shelter, every small action feels like a big adventure. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of knowing you’re making the world just a little bit brighter, one kind
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One of the defining qualities of the Burdekin is our unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Whether it’s a community event, a fundraiser, or a charity ride passing through our region, we consistently come together to show our support. We highlight the many ways our residents contribute to worthy causes, reinforcing the fact that the Burdekin’s heart is as big as its landscape. Recently, our community gathered to cheer on participants in a cross-country charity ride. It was a perfect ex
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After months of dedicated preparation, Ayr State High School brought the spirit of the 1970s to life with their spectacular performance of Disco Inferno at the Burdekin Theatre last month. Audiences were transported back to the vibrant and groovy 1970s as the school's talented students delivered a dazzling show filled with colour, music, and energy. Theatre week officially kicked off on Saturday, 17 August, when the set, props, and costumes were moved into the Burdekin Theatre, marking the st
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The Forensic Crash Unit is currently investigating a tragic motorbike crash that occurred in Ayr last Thursday evening, September 12. According to initial reports, the accident took place at approximately 12:30am when a blue Yamaha WR450F motorbike was travelling south along a footpath near the Bruce Highway. Sadly, the rider, a 38-year-old man from Ayr, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 34-year-old woman, also from Ayr, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken t
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Anne Baker, Labor candidate for the seat Burdekin, has 17 years of experience in local government and is bringing her leadership skills to the Burdekin electorate. Having lived in the Bowen electorate for 39 years and in Collinsville for a decade, Baker says she has built a strong connection with the region. "I’m an authentic leader; I’m a people person and will always put people over politics," she said, emphasising her commitment to the community. Baker’s political background includes 12 ye
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As residents struggle under costs of living, damaging and deadly roads and the climbing number of victims of crime, Member for Burdekin and LNP candidate Dale Last is encouraging everyone to ensure their voices are heard this October. Mr Last said ensuring each and every person had the opportunity to have their say on issues affecting them was crucial when it came to advocating for funding and services needed in regional Queensland. “Here in the Burdekin, we are seeing issues like the rising
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A pioneering community-led pipeline project is steadily advancing towards its goal of becoming Australia’s first net-zero water infrastructure project, aligning with both Commonwealth Climate Change legislation and the State Government’s carbon reduction goals. This groundbreaking initiative represents not only a leap forward in sustainability but also in technological innovation. The project’s leaders have successfully secured nearly of the 182-kilometre pipeline alignment, with only a 40-met
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I want to welcome our new CEO, Matthew Magin. Matthew started with us on Monday and has hit the ground running. In March this year, the community voted for change. Hopefully, with Matthew’s help, we can deliver the outcomes the community expects and deserves. This is my first column since the Burdekin Water Festival. I would like to congratulate and thank the newly formed Water Festival Committee for all the hard work that went into it. By all reports, it was a huge success. Hopefully, there w
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It’s been an eventful couple of weeks in the Burdekin! I had the pleasure of meeting with the incredible participants from Scootaville, who were on a charity ride raising funds for Legacy and Homeless Veterans. These dedicated riders journeyed from Chermside to Townsville, stopping overnight at the Ayr Showgrounds. I even hopped on a scooter myself and joined them as they rode into town—it was a fantastic experience, all for a worthy cause. I also had the honour of attending the 70th Anniversary
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Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 14/09/2023 Sex: female Breed: Staffy x Kid friendly: yes Cat Friendly: no Other dogs: Yes Fences: 5ft Betty is a gorgeous girl who absolutely loves being near her humans whenever she can. She’s a typical puppy with lots of energy to burn. Betty loves playing with other dogs and would love another doggie friend to play with in her forever home. Betty enjoys going on daily walks and adventures. She is going good with training but will need continual training to beco
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The Bowen Seagulls Rugby League, established in 2004, has long been a pillar of the Bowen community, fostering teamwork, fitness, and a sense of belonging. As the largest sporting club in the region, with over 510 registered players and volunteers, the club plays a vital role in shaping the local sporting landscape. Shane Douglas, the Seagulls’ Grants Coordinator, was at the forefront of securing much-needed funds to ensure the club's continued growth and development. Recently, the Seagulls w
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Burdekin’s own Karl Moschella was named a finalist for the highly regarded 2024 John Deere Agricultural Service Technician of the Year Award. The experienced harvester specialist, who works at Honeycombes Sales and Service in Ayr, was one of only six finalists across Australia to compete for the coveted title, that was announced at the John Deere Gala Awards on September 5th. Karl’s journey with Honeycombes Sales and Service began in 2002 when he joined the team as an apprentice. Over the years
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Applications are now open for 10 more Regional University Study Hubs to be established around Australia, giving more students from rural and regional areas access to tertiary education. MP Andrew Willcox is throwing his support behind the program which has already supported over 12,000 students in 46 locations across Australia since its establishment. “Living in rural, regional, and remote areas can create significant barriers of entry for students looking to study at a tertiary level, but thi
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Opinion Piece Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has said that Prime Minster Anthony Albanese refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, ignoring farmers who travelled from across Queensland to plead with the Federal Government to stop an “anti-farming agenda”. Mr Willcox said the Prime Minister has once again demonstrated complete contempt towards farmers and rural, regional and remote Australia. “For the Prime Minister to ignore our farmers, many who hav
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Queenslanders could now be hit with a $6,452 fine or $483 on the spot fine for discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may unintentionally attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area. Deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles could leave you with an increased on the spot fine ranging from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615. The Minister for the Environment and the Grea
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In a decisive turn of events, the long-standing and contentious pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and its employees has finally reached a resolution, paving the way for significant wage increases and bonuses. Growers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the resolution ensures that the threat of disruptive industrial action will no longer jeopardise their crucial crops. A majority of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees has voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement (EA) offering an upfront $
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