Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Hello, I have been busy since my last column I attended the Burdekin Brass Band concert on the 4th August with Councillor Callan Oar, what a enjoyable afternoon. They had the whole theatre singing along and toe tapping to all of the great tunes from the old to the modern. What a great job they did. Well done. The Zonta Club had their 30th Birthday celebrations at the RSL, there were past and present ladies from the club. A lovely night was had by all reminiscing from the beginning of the club
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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has applauded the Burdekin and Bowen communities after a weekend of successful events in the regions. Thousands gathered to watch the colours and fun of the street parade as the Burdekin’s Water Festival successfully returned to Ayr’s main street. The community support was echoed in Bowen where racers and riders from across the nation competed in the renowned Don River Dash at Bowen. Mr Last said the success of both Bowen and Burdekin events at the weekend was a c
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As Mayor, I believe it is a priority to keep our community safe, particularly on our roads. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in traffic around the Giddy Road intersection at 5-Ways, and there’s growing concern about the potential for accidents with many already occurred. Google Maps may be partly responsible, directing motorists to use this route as a shortcut. This has led to a sharp rise in traffic at an intersection that wasn’t designed for such high volumes, increasing the likelihood of acc
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Home is Best is expanding into the Burdekin Region due to an identified need for additional care and support services. Following much community research and in line with the Aged Care Quality Standards, the Home is Best team identified an increase in choice of providers and supports available to community members was sought and a demand for change in how these services were delivered to clients in their homes. The Aged Care space is heavily monitored by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissio
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For Patrick and Kristy Shannon, the decision to start First In Physio was rooted in their desire to raise a family in a smaller town while creating something meaningful in their community. After graduating as physiotherapists in Brisbane, the couple decided to return to their roots and establish a clinic in Ayr. "We wanted to come home after living in Brisbane," they shared. "We both saw an opportunity to raise our kids in a close-knit town, but starting our own business came with risks." N
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As the warmer months approach, Burdekin residents can once again enjoy their local pools, which reopened on Sunday, September 1. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort shared the excitement around the reopening. “The reopening of our local pools is always a highlight as the weather starts to warm up,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. In addition to the re-opening, the Home Hill Pool has received upgrades to its amenities, enhancing the experience for swimmers this season. Residents are encouraged to visit the Burde
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Tosh’s Convenience Store, located in the heart of the Burdekin, has grown from a humble shop into a bustling mini supermarket that’s become a vital part of the community. The store's owner, Peta Wassmuth, was motivated by a desire to work independently, leading to the decision to take over and revitalise the store. One of the key changes implemented under the new ownership has been the introduction of in-store promotions, which have not only enhanced the shopping experience but also fostered a
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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has expanded its growers’ services footprint in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions with the engagement of three new employees last week. Burdekin local Angelo Licciardello and Herbert Rivers’ Lawrence Di Bella were both appointed this week as the new Burdekin and Herbert River District Managers respectively. Anna Di Bella, wife to Lawrence, also was appointed as Administration Officer in the Herbert River cane supply area. QCAR CEO Stephen
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 153,616 1,241,474 Pioneer 74,664 560,253 Kalamia 80,792 694,564 Inkerman 82,255 782,996 Burdekin 391,327 3,279,287 CCS Invicta 14.25 14.04 Pioneer 14.28 14.14 Kalamia 13.65 13.75 Inkerman 14.01 13.86 Burdekin 14.08 13.95 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 54% 14.29 WSRA17 6% 13.32 KQ228 18% 13.92 SRA23 5% 13.83 Q183 11% 14.03 Q208 4% 14.01 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just over 390,000 tonnes of cane for
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Opinion piece The Nationals will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of farmers from across the country on September 10, in an unprecedented rally against Labor’s anti-farming ideology. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Labor is destroying agriculture and making life impossible for the nation’s producers of food and fibre, due to endless cuts to the regions, anti-farming legislation and unnecessary red tape. “The Nationals 100 per cent support our farmers attending the N
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Gumlu students travelling on the bus to school will soon be a little safer after Member for Burdekin Dale Last joined community members to call for safety improvements to school buses. Mr Last said while it beggared belief that a bus carrying students as young as five years old along some of the deadliest sections of the Bruce Highway had been able to operate without seatbelts, the announcement of a replacement bus for the school run was a win for the safety of some of Gumlu’s youngest residen
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing The Brazil crush continues to power along and is currently around 60% complete. UNICA’s second half of July report indicated that while year to date the crush was ahead, the fortnightly cane crush is now below last year’s comparative volume. As each month passes, the focus on the UNICA reports intensify as analysts dissect the results to see if their projected sugar volume is still valid – or not. Cane crushed is a key variable and accumulated volum
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Burdekin Community Association Inc invites you to our Get Online Week ‘Be Tech and Scam Savvy Open Day’. Tuesday the 15th of October from 9.00am to 4.00pm at the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Get Free and friendly help from our Volunteer Tutors to improve your digital skills and learn how to be more connected on your electronic devices. Learn how to: • Connect with family, either via messenger or facetime • Avoid scams • Send messages and emails • Take photos and save
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Some of the most amazing and impactful movements have started from tiny sparks. The power of a simple idea, a small act of kindness, or a question asked with genuine care can grow into something truly remarkable, creating ripples that spread far and wide. One great example is the R U OK? Day held today. It all started with a simple question; “Are you OK?” This incredible movement encourages conversations about mental health and checking in on others. It was inspired by the personal story of Gav
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The Canefields Ephemera, now in its seventh year, has become a highly anticipated event in Home Hill, showcasing the creativity of local and state artists. Set against the picturesque Lloyd Mann Gardens, this outdoor sculpture festival transforms the park into an open-air gallery, allowing visitors to explore striking installations both day and night. This year’s exhibition builds on the success of previous festivals, continuing to attract artists from across Queensland and the local region. Or
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Since 1962, the Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) has been a cornerstone for boating enthusiasts at the mouth of Molongle Creek. It’s a place run by volunteers who are passionate about keeping this community hub thriving. Right now, the club is buzzing with activity as the Department of Transport tackles some much-needed dredging and excavation to improve boat access. After years of pushing for support, the state government took over maintenance duties in 2021, but the work hasn’t been straightfo
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Ayr State High School graduate René Le Feuvre is set to make a highly anticipated return to North Queensland this October. After building a flourishing music career, René’s tour will include performances across Mackay, Bowen, Airlie Beach, and Townsville, with a special highlight at the Giru Pub on October 5. Having last toured the region in 2018, following his appearance on The Voice, René’s return has been a long time coming. He is excited to reconnect with the local community, particularly i
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Rehoming fee: $195 DOB: 6/12/2023 Sex: Male Breed: DSH Kid friendly: Yes Dog Friendly: Yes Other cats: Yes Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors Chippy is a lively, playful cat and always on the move. He loves exploring every corner of his home. Whether chasing toys or pouncing on imaginary prey, his energy is a joy to watch. He loves food and is always ready for more treats, kibble, or wet food, making snack time a highlight of his day. Chippy also loves climbing cat trees and shelves, watching the worl
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The weekend kicked off with a thrilling Friday night social bowls clash on September 6th. Newcomer Ben Mills and club President Jamie Wood faced off against veterans Ray Paneccasio and Gary Pearce. It was a tightly contested game, with Mills dominating early on, but Paneccasio’s powerful performance turned the tide, leading his team to victory. Despite their loss, Mills and Wood claimed the evening's jackpot. On Sunday, September 8th, 30 bowlers gathered for a mix of pairs, triples, and Champi
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Burdekin FC’s Premier League side have qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final after winning 1-0 against MA Olympic in the Preliminary Final, played at Paradise Park in Townsville last Saturday night. The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers had a sense of confidence going into this game, having beaten MA Olympic twice with the most recent win coming just two weeks ago. However, the Panthers also knew that it wasn't going to be an easy task coming up against the minor premiers. The game started slowly for th
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Local Burdekin Panthers had just the Premiers playing at the weekend. They were playing in the Preliminary Final, against Olympic, the Old Enemy, and won 1-0. They now play in the Grand Final against Brothers this Saturday night at Paradise Park in Townsville. Masters Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025. Night Soccer Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s 46th Season started last week with the first of the two Trial Weeks. The competition proper start
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The Burdekin Roosters had a strong presence in the Rugby League Townsville and District (RLTD) finals last weekend, with three teams competing: the Under 13s, Under 18s, and Reserve Grade. One family that stood out was the Lammon family, who had an especially busy weekend. Melissa Lammon, the registrar for both the junior and senior Roosters, and her husband Thomas, who runs water for the Under 13s, 18s, and at times the Reserves, supported their three sons in an exceptional weekend of football
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Pam Power from the Ayr Bowls Club has claimed victory in the Champion of Champions Zone 8 singles competition, defeating Emma Rowbotham from Cairns in a closely fought match. Both players showcased exceptional skills, but Pam emerged triumphant. She now advances to the State finals in October. Congratulations to Pam on her stellar season in lawn bowls, and best of luck for the State finals! The club’s week began with Mixed Social Bowls on Wednesday, September 4th. Two games of triples were pla
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Last weekend, Ayr Tennis hosted the highly anticipated Junior Development Series (JDS) finals, welcoming top junior players from Ingham to Mackay. Despite a rainy start, the weather soon cleared, allowing for an exciting weekend of tennis action. The top two players from the 11, 13, 15, and 17-year-old divisions have now qualified for the JDS Masters State Finals, set to take place in Rockhampton on October 12th and 13th. Local players performed well, with Michael Lindley securing third place
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The Burdekin Roosters Reggies suffered a tough defeat in the Grand Final last Sunday, falling 42-24 to minor premiers Souths at the Sports Reserve in Townsville. Early mistakes from the Roosters allowed Souths to gain momentum, and by halftime, the Redmen led 24-0. Despite a spirited second-half comeback, where the Roosters outscored Souths 24-18, the early deficit proved insurmountable. Terry Connors crossed twice for the Roosters, with Nemia Nawave and Braedyn Cotter also scoring, but Souths
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