Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Last week schools across the region marked R U OK Day with various activities taking place to keep all that attended entertained. From painting rocks to writing notes Ayr State High School and Burdekin Christian College, started conversations that could potentially save lives. R U OK Day encourages people to have conversations with others, and aims to inspire everyone to connect with people around them, start a conversation and ask “Are you okay?” It’s important to check in with people you k
Read more
School kids have put their pens down for the end of term three and are enjoying the two-week holidays. While this may be a positive for the kids, many groans can be heard from hardworking parents who now have to find a plethora of activities for their young ones to enjoy. To help ease the burden, Burdekin Library is holding a diverse array of events to ensure the little ones stay entertained. From creating mermaid necklaces, to coding and robotics, the library has got something for every child.
Read more
The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers. Home Care Packages Program (HCP) The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home. We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care relate
Read more
We've reached the middle of September, and before we know it, 2024 will be over. We can dwell on our coulda, shoulda, and wouldas with self-blame and guilt, or we can take a step back, be kind to ourselves, and refocus our efforts. We're choosing the latter and aiming to get back on track with our hope to help build a compassionate community here in the Burdekin. The key word here is "community." While our BNC Team is considered 'workers,' we are also community members in our own right. C
Read more
I have always enjoyed reading and last week I came by a book, just released this year “The Little Wartime Library” by Kate Thompson. It tells of the Wartime Library at Bethnal Green in East London during World War 11. The library had been bombed in the London Blitz in 1940 and the librarians moved the library to the underground railway for safety and to be a service to the people (over five thousand them) that bedded down for the night in safety of the underground. The Children’s Library was
Read more
On Thursday, 12th September, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group hosted its Annual Reporting Night, a highlight of the scouting calendar. The event was a significant occasion, not only for reviewing the past year's achievements but also for planning the future. A key moment of the evening was the presentation of a generous $2000 donation by Margaret and Greg from Bluey’s Thrift Shop. The donation, warmly received by the Group’s youth members and Chris, the Group Leader, will be instrumental in purch
Read more
The Educational Trailer at the Burdekin Water Festival was a tremendous success, drawing in over 100 visitors who participated in the interactive displays, games, and the thrilling virtual reef experience. The hands-on activities offered a fun and engaging way for locals to learn about environmental management and pest control, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Following the festival, the trailer made another appearance at Plantation Park on Sunday, 15 September 2024, alongside three o
Read more
Burdekin Shire Council is inviting local businesses and organisations to express their interest in sponsoring the upcoming Burdekin Annual Christmas Carols. This cherished event brings the community together to celebrate the festive season with performances, Christmas Carols, fireworks, face painting, and food vans. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort emphasised the importance of this iconic event, which offers a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with the community and showcase their support
Read more
Wednesday 2 October Morning Melodies: Livvy and Pete Thursday from 11am Helpmann award winner Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret darling Amelia Ryan celebrate the songbooks of Aussie icons Olivia Newton-John and Peter Allen. From their humble small-town beginnings to world domination in sequins and jumpsuits, revisit all of their sing-a-long classic from Rio to Tenterfield, all the way to Xanadu and beyond. As camp as maracas and tender as Pete's gift to Livvy "I Honestly Love You", there
Read more
With warmer weather on the horizon, the Burdekin Aquatic Centre is excited to announce the return of Aqua Aerobics, starting on Saturday, 28 September. Classes will also be offered at Home Hill at 9:30am on Tuesday mornings, beginning 1 October. Instructor Vicky will lead the sessions, and the cost is $12, which includes gate entry. All fitness levels are welcome, so come along for a fun and active workout! “Come on down for some fitness and fun – see you there!” shared the Burdekin Aquatic Ce
Read more
The Ayr Golf Club hosted the annual Clive & Olive Williams Honour Board event on Saturday 31 August, with 68 players competing for the chance to have their names added to the prestigious board. The competition followed a Stableford format, producing some remarkable scores. The club was thrilled to have the Williams family join in the clubhouse to present prizes to the winners, and the continued sponsorship of this special day is deeply appreciated. In the Ladies' division, the top three perform
Read more
A strong turnout of 28 players took to the green at the Home Hill Golf Club last Friday 13 September. Tim Branch took out the title for least putts with an impressive 11, and pin shots were taken by Carol Betteridge, Ray Preisig, and Greg MacElroy. The daily winner was Megan Barbagallo, while the lucky ticket was drawn by Carol Betteridge, but with no win, the jackpot rolls over to $800 for next week! In Sunday’s QCCU Foursome Championship, the ladies division saw Megan and Amy emerge as champi
Read more
On Saturday 14 September, the Home Hill Golf Club welcomed an amazing turnout for their third Sip ‘n Putt session! Despite a few regulars being unable to attend, the day saw 12 ladies take to the green, the Club’s largest Sip ‘n Putt group yet! PGA professional Tara Jenkins once again led the session, guiding the ladies through driving drills. Tara also demonstrated a perfect drive, sending the ball down the fairway with ease, much to everyone’s admiration. The group seems to be developing a g
Read more
Three Burdekin Roosters rugby league teams competed in Townsville’s Grand Finals on Saturday 7 September – the Under 13s, Under 18s, and Reserve Grade teams. While only one team brought home the trophy, it was the Under 13s who triumphed, taking out the Blackhawks Trophy as Under 13 premiers. Coached by former Burdekin five-eighth Mark Watson, the team had a challenging path to the final. After losing to Charters Towers in the major semi-final, they bounced back in spectacular fashion, defeatin
Read more
The 2024 grand final for the Lower Burdekin Table Bowls Association took place at the National Hotel last week, with the Crushers going head-to-head against the Falcons. In an exciting showdown, the Crushers emerged victorious, claiming the trophy. Congratulations to the Crushers on their well-deserved win! Contributed with thanks to Kerry Davison.
Read more.JPG)
The Ayr Surf Club travelled to the beautiful Alma Bay on Magnetic Island over the weekend to undertake the first carnival of the competition season hosted by Arcadian SLSC. The club had a small but mighty contingent of only 32 competitors, who all put in some incredible individual and team efforts throughout the two days of competition. The Ayr crew ended up bringing home second overall out of the seven clubs in the North Barrier Branch, behind a much larger Arcadian team. Club president Be
Read more
This coming weekend, Burdekin Surf Lifesaving will have three patrols scheduled to keep our beaches safe. Saturday, 21st September (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) Patrol Group B: • Terry Lund • Tramayne Horan • Dylan Carew • Heather Scott • Anita Giddy • Jan Hatherell • Gabriel Hatherell • Toby Wilson • Danny Wilson Sunday, 22nd September (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) Patrol Group G: • Carl List • Jimmy Hayllor • James Kennedy • Shane Morgan • Ross Blakey
Read more
On Saturday 7 September, the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads First Grade team took to the field to play in their first Grand Final game since 2016. After an eight year Grand Final hiatus, the First Grade team comprising of Tom Kastner, Nathan Steel, Mick Hall, JJ Gallego, Casey Kempson, Robbie Cantarella, Andy Smyth, Tubby Heron, Bradey Vasta, Andrew Kennedy, Darcey Horan, Josh Davies, Kelsey Hesp, Luke Torkington, Josh Furnell, Lochlan Winston, Jai Blakey, Damon Hesp, Liam Cannavan, Joel Horan
Read more
William Chandler's journey in tennis reached a new peak at the recent JDS Regional Finals, where he showcased remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately securing the runner-up position. The intense competition saw William lose three match points before claiming his final standing, a moment of profound pride and joy for his family. "We were proud of his achievement and celebrated his willingness to give this sport a go," his parents, Janai and John Chandler, expressed. The sport, being ind
Read more.png)
The weekend saw plenty of action at Brandon Bowls Club, kicking off with the Trophy Bowls Night on Friday 13th, proudly sponsored by Gurgoes Inspiration Paints Ayr. Despite a lower-than-usual turnout, eight teams enjoyed a cool evening of friendly competition on the green. Team Mio Farming, regulars of the event, took home the honours for the night. Special thanks to all who contributed, especially Ken Feeney on the BBQ, Leo Kenny behind the bar, and the members who brought food. The next round
Read more
Local Football Report The Burdekin Panthers Premier team travelled to Townsville on Saturday night to face Brothers in the Grand Final. Backed by a large crowd of supporters, the Panthers were narrowly defeated 3-4 in a thrilling, back-and-forth match. Although the result didn’t go their way, the Panthers played an outstanding game, and the outcome could easily have been different. The Ayr Anzac Club team entered the match with a mix of nerves and anticipation for their biggest game of the
Read more
The Burdekin Water Festival’s Grand Parade and Mardi Gras lit up Ayr on Saturday with an energetic display of local pride and creativity. The streets were alive with floats from businesses, organisations, and schools, each vying for top honours in various categories. The parade kicked off with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) leading the way, setting a high-spirited tone for the event. The Townsville RSL Pipe Band followed, adding a traditional musical touch, while floats from Queensland Cou
Read more.JPG)
This past week, I was involved in a car crash that could have ended far worse than it did and although it has taken me a full week to fully process what happened, I am so grateful for everyone who has taken the time to check I’m ok. Thankfully, I’m on the mend, but the road to recovery has been made smoother by the overwhelming support from our incredible community. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Kari Ravizza, whose quick actions and kind words helped more than she can know. Kari was
Read more.jpg)
Cole Pontifex was more than overjoyed when he was announced as the Winning Junior Ambassador for the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival, a moment he says he’ll never forget. “The night when I was announced as the Winning Ambassador felt amazing, and it’ll be a night I’ll never forget, it was great!” explained Cole. Cole has been an active and valued member of the Burdekin Academy since he was 10 and representing the Academy as one of their Junior Ambassadors in the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival was
Read more
Funding renovations for aging health infrastructure so it “will last generations” is at the top of the list for Labor candidate Anne Baker who is vying for the position of Member for Burdekin in the upcoming State Election, due to be held at the end of October. According to Ms Baker, the Labor Government is investing over $1 billion to deliver world-class health facilities in Queensland’s rural and remote communities through the Building Rural and Remote Health Program. More than 20 key proje
Read more