Home Hill marathoner Karin Thorburn has added another remarkable milestone to her already record-breaking career, taking out the Sporting Excellence Award at the 2025 North Queensland Sportstar Awards in Townsville on Saturday night. The accolade recognised Thorburn’s extraordinary feat as the first Australian to complete more than 500 official marathons, alongside her tireless efforts to grow the sport across North Queensland. “I couldn’t believe it [when i heard my name called]... I was in c
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Runners Rise to the Challenge at Mount Inkerman The sun had barely risen on Saturday, October 25, when a group of determined locals gathered at the base of Mount Inkerman for this year’s King and Queen of the Hill event. Starting at 6am, runners and walkers of all ages — along with a couple of enthusiastic dogs — took on the steady climb up the mountain road before making their way back down the goat track to the finish. The event drew a good turnout despite the early start, with a few supporte
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Over the past week I had the pleasure of attending the Local Government Annual Conference with Cr John Furnell, Cr Fina Vasta and CEO Matthew Magin, where Matthew and I presented on Council’s innovative Macroalgae Bioremediation Facility. The presentation attracted strong interest from other councils, many of whom are eager to understand how they could replicate this sustainable initiative within their own communities. I’m also proud to share that Council received a Risk Excellence Award, recog
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My how the year has flown. It has been almost two years since I was elected Councillor and believe it or not, there is more to the Burdekin than just Ayr. Without Divisions, some areas do not receive fair and equal representation and I consider it my job to represent the whole of the Burdekin Shire. Despite this, there are still those who think I advocate more for Clare, Millaroo and Dalbeg (as I live in Clare) and who have verbalised this to others. Let me assure you that this is not the case a
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Burdekin residents and families living interstate or overseas will now have easier access to cemetery information following upgrades to the Shire Council’s cemetery management system, OpusXenta. The enhancements allow users to access cemetery records directly from smartphones and include digital maps, interactive search functions, and progressively uploaded images of headstones. This means relatives can view memorials remotely, offering comfort and connection even from afar. Mayor Pierina Dall
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It’s been quite a while since the Centre has contributed an article for the paper, and we have to say, we’ve really missed it! We're truly grateful for the chance to connect with everyone in this way. What started three months ago as an initiative to combat social isolation and loneliness has blossomed into a lively gathering filled with stories and connections. Maddy Darley, the Centre’s Community Development Officer, has been instrumental in holding space for a monthly Community Cuppa morning
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Recently, we released the first edition of this season’s comparative analysis for growers. This year’s analysis takes a slightly different focus, offering valuable insights into the strategies growers use to manage their GEI price exposure. Typically, growers who choose to market with Wilmar Grower Marketing use the Target Price and GMPRS pricing mechanisms, which give them maximum control over their final price outcomes. This year’s report analyses
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Combined Rotary Clubs of Townsville, Ingham and Ayr are doing it again! BUSINESSES from across Queensland are already making plans to be part of the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day on 29-30 May 2026. With a change of venue to the Townsville Show Grounds and more suitable dates than the previous event, the 2026 Rotary NQ Field Day is gearing up to be a cracker event. With a few new faces on the 2026 Committee, combined with some seasoned committee members, these volunteers are working with exhibitors
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A new initiative is urging Queensland businesses to take biosecurity as seriously as other critical risks, with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and Biosecurity Queensland leading the charge. Biosecurity in the Boardroom highlights the growing threat of biosecurity incursions across all sectors of the economy, not just agriculture. With risks forecast to quadruple over the next decade, organisers say businesses of all kinds need to act now to protect supply chains, reputations, and long
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Says Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has raised serious concerns regarding the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) new website, following overwhelming feedback from constituents, local farmers, and weather professionals. “My office has received numerous complaints from residents who rely on the Bureau for timely and accurate weather information,” said Mr Willcox. “The new website has been described as confusing, difficult to navigate, and missin
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There’s something special about a community that comes together — not just to celebrate, but to support one another through every stage of life. Our team is proud to be part of such a caring and connected community, where fun and compassion go hand in hand. This Halloween, our office is embracing the spirit of Halloween with our Best Dressed Halloween Competition! We can’t wait to see the creativity, laughter, and spooky costumes that make our community events so memorable each year. It’s all a
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October is Random Acts of Kindness Month, and Maidavale State School is playing its part this year by making sure the Burdekin's givers become receivers of delicious treats baked right at the school. The initiative is part of the school's longstanding Community Connect program, which encourages students to bake goods—from biscuits to muffins and cupcakes—and deliver them as a ‘thank you’ to organisations and services across the Burdekin. "The point is to thank people for their service to our c
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After more than 50 years of service, the Endeavour Foundation’s Ayr social enterprise has closed its doors for the final time. The disability employment provider, which has operated locally since 1972, announced in June that financial pressures under the NDIS made continuing the service unsustainable. Acting Executive General Manager of Work, Greg McCluand, said the decision was a difficult one. “We have continued to work with the community to meet our commitments, support our employees, and ex
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The Burdekin Netball Association’s $3.5 million redevelopment is one step closer to reality with the recent appointment of a local project manager to oversee the project. Announced in September 2024, the revamp follows five years of planning by the association, aimed at modernising facilities for players across the region. The project will see the demolition of the existing four hard courts, replaced with eight brand-new courts—two of which will be undercover. Plans for the clubhouse include re
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At The End Of Harvest Golf Classic One day, nine holes, and a four-person Ambrose all in support of one amazing organisation… you guessed it… the infamous End of Harvest Golf Classic will return to the community on Friday, the 12th of December! The time has come to nominate your teams for one of the most celebrated social sporting extravaganzas on the shire’s calendar with all funds raised going directly to CORES, supporting mental health and suicide prevention. Just 12 short months ago, 274 p
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Mosquito activity in the Burdekin is high year-round, particularly during the warmer months. With heavy rainfall, tidal inundation, and excess irrigation, dormant mosquito eggs can hatch in large numbers, creating the potential for increased biting and disease risk in the community. Burdekin Shire Council is actively managing mosquito populations, targeting the species Aedes vigilax through an aerial treatment program. Council officers also conduct twice-weekly field surveys across coastal and
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The Home Hill Third Grade side delivered a commanding all-round performance to claim victory over Brothers Resilient Projects, posting a strong 7/178 before bowling out the opposition for 126 at John McCulloch Oval. Simon Vickers set the tone early with a blistering 33 off 21 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before being caught in the deep. The innings was steadied by Luke Mottin’s composed 59 from 76 balls, featuring five boundaries, while Travis Butler added a valuable 35. Lower-order r
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Runs were hard to come by at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last week. In the Blue Group, Jake Cullen top-scored with 9 not out, while Kyle Wilkie was next best with 5 not out. Three run outs didn’t help batters settle in for bigger totals, but Jake contributed with one of those run outs and bowled well, finishing with figures of 1 for 2. Other wicket-takers were Kip Nicholas (1 for 4), Henry Cohen (1 for 7), and Corbett Cross (1 for 8). The McDonald’s Sports Awards for this group went
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The Ayr Golf Club ladies’ competition saw some thrilling performances on Selections Day 2025, with players showing off their skills on the greens. A special thank-you went out to Marissa and the team at Selections, long-term sponsors of the club’s Wednesday ladies’ competition. Their continued support is greatly appreciated by all members. On the day, it was Tuk Williams who stole the show, posting an impressive 40 points to decisively win the competition. Wendy Baker finished strong in second
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It was a big week at Brandon Bowls Club, with thrilling finals and tight finishes across all divisions. Jason Farry and Glenn Woodford claimed the 2025 Pairs Finals title after a hard-fought victory over Kenny Ferguson and Gary Nosworthy, drawing cheers from the crowd for their sharp teamwork and calm under pressure. In Wednesday’s A Grade Ladies Final, Lyn Storrie triumphed over Margaret Chapman in a close, high-quality match that had spectators glued to the green. The Ladies’ Triples saw Van
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Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another vibrant week on the greens, with a great mix of social and championship games bringing members together. With the championship season now coming to an end competition has been fierce but friendly, highlighting the impressive skill and sportsmanship of our bowlers. Social games have also been well-attended, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere that continues to strengthen the club’s sense of community. Tuesday Ladies Social bowls was played, Winners on
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Home Hill Bowls Club report Thursday 23rd October. Twenty-three players turned out for a windy afternoon. Rink 2 saw a singles match between Alex Bojack and Michael Young, which was eventually won by Alex. He will now play Wayne Newton in the final. Rink 2 was also the lucky rink drawn, so Alex and Michael are the daily winners, shown in the photo. On Rink 4, Judy Elton, Janet Arthur, and Steve Doig went down to Bob Young, Michael Young, Ron Smith, and Gary Nosworthy/Trevor Elton after not bein
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Last Saturday, Burdekin Football Club celebrated another standout season at Populin Hall, honouring players, volunteers, and teams who went above and beyond. The night was a mix of camaraderie, recognition, and celebration, highlighting the dedication that fuels the club year after year. Standout moments included the presentation of the Ramon Oar Memorial Spirit Award to Wayne Kolb, the Presidents Medal to Garry and Kiera Durrant, and the Taylah Pearson Memorial Award to Sian Reardon. Young tal
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It was Ayr who had the last laugh on Sunday, 19 October, after defeating cross-town rivals Home Hill in a three-sport series as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival's esteemed Town of Origin series. The well-attended event drew hundreds of locals to Home Hill State High School grounds for the 11th instalment of the series, with Ayr's 2-1 victory across junior cricket, netball and rugby giving it a 6-5 historical lead and temporary bragging rights over its local counterpart. Beyond the on-cou
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Once again, the region’s annual sunflower patch has coloured the region in vibrant shades of yellow and gold, painting smiles across the faces of everyone who passes Ayr’s Patricia Road! Delighted by 2024’s gleaming debut of the floral field, a local family have sewed the seeds once again, spreading the message of “Pick a Sunflower, Support a Cause!” to all who visit the patch located at 12 Patricia Road, Ayr. Anyone and everyone who wishes to pop down to the patch are encouraged to bring alon
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