Last weekend, I was brought crashing back to earth after a humbling experience at Amelia Pivotto’s trivia night on Friday. At first, it was all going so swimmingly—a perfect night under the stars, replete with vibrant chatter and laughter as the questions came thick and fast. Our team was doing… fine. Not topping the leaderboard, but not embarrassing ourselves either. Then a particular question came up. Something along the lines of, “what is the name of the Burdekin journalism legend—a local c
Read more.jpg)
A 25-year-old Ayr man has died following a trail bike crash at Osborne early Monday morning. Emergency services were called to Iona Road around 6am on October 20, after reports a rider had been found unresponsive. Police said the man sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into the incident, with officers appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to come forwa
Read more
A Local Fire Ban has been declared across the Burdekin Shire by the Rural Fire Service Queensland, taking effect from midnight Saturday, 18 October, and continuing until 11:59pm Friday, 31 October. The ban comes in response to current weather conditions and heightened fire risk. During this period, lighting, maintaining, or using fires in the open is strictly prohibited. All existing permits to light fires are suspended, except in limited cases. Fires used for cooking on a properly constructed
Read more
With Remembrance Day around the corner, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is encouraging local groups to apply for grants that allow the community to better honour and acknowledge the service of veterans. The fact that the Burdekin election is home to a significant number of veterans meant the new funding program offered a potential boost for a community whose track record for honouring veterans was among the best in the state. “You only have to look at the number of people who attend events
Read more
A $550 million tourism development in Townsville is set to ripple benefits through the Burdekin, with local businesses tipped to gain from increased visitor traffic and regional growth once the project gets underway. Townsville City Council last week granted preliminary approval for the Townsville Waterpark, Beach Club, and Hotel project—a major step forward for what has been described as a game-changer for North Queensland’s tourism economy. The 15-hectare site sits at the intersection of Bru
Read more
The Burdekin is starting to rebuild after the devastating tropical low earlier this year, with restoration projects now underway at Plantation Park, Groper Creek Foreshore, and the Mt Inkerman Nature Trail. At Plantation Park, which houses the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre and the Nature-Based Playground, crews are repairing internal roads and carparks that were stripped and scoured by floodwaters. Once complete, families and visitors will have safe access to the park’s popular facilities
Read more
On Sunday, 19 October, the Burdekin community came together at the Burdekin Memorial Hall for Burdekin Fights Back, a Gala Afternoon Tea supporting the fight against cancer. The event was led by local resident Raelene Grantz, who survived breast cancer last year and has watched her twin sister Maree face the disease nearly 12 years earlier. “We've just got to keep fighting. I'm a firm believer in the research,” Raelene said. Guests were treated to entertainment by Ricky Romeo and guided throug
Read more.jpg)
Once again, Jeffrey Lunn and Leon McCormack’s infamous Halloween Party will spook and delight the community next Friday, the 31st of October for an evening of costumes and candy, complete with iconic scary season decorations, music and an unparallel atmosphere! The pair first came up with the idea to introduce a haunting Halloween Party after witnessing firsthand the extravagant displays put on in the United States whilst on holiday, and after some planning, Jeff and Leon debuted their very fir
Read more.jpg)
As we move into the warmer months, I want to remind our community how important it is to be mindful of our water use. Temporary Stage 1 Water Restrictions in Ayr will commence from the 7 November to 7 December while Council completes a critical stage of the South Ayr Filtration Plant upgrade. These works are essential to securing the long-term reliability of our water supply. We all have a part to play in conserving this precious resource. I encourage everyone to follow smart water practices, p
Read more.jpg)
The Burdekin never ceases to astound with the variety of activities happening throughout the shire. The Harvest Festival Student Ball was an outstanding success and the activities for the Harvest Festival continue in Home Hill. Mental Health Week wrapped up with a time to consider our own mental health in a week of presentations including the group at the Burdekin Men’s Shed with an open community invitation to “Cuppa Chat & Chew”. Seniors Month culminates with the Seniors Expo & Luncheon Thurs
Read more
Donzel began his Tec-NQ House journey in Semester 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy to the boarding community. As a year 10 student, preparing for year 11 in 2026, he already has his future mapped out: a career in the automotive industry. “I chose Tec-NQ for the opportunities after school,” said Donzel. “I heard about this school from family members,” he added. It’s the strength of Tec-NQ’s vocational pathway options that attracted him, and he is keen to take every chance to learn. “So far, it’s
Read more
From Angel Paws Dog & Cat Rescue Zorro is a young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Rescued from the pound, Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanor. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection. Though Zorro's beginnings were challenging, his time in fos
Read more
Team Spotlight: Raelene and Sonya At Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, it’s the people behind the counter who make the biggest difference — not just in banking, but in building lasting community connections. Two of those friendly faces, Raelene and Sonya, share a deep passion for helping others and being part of something that gives back. Raelene, who has called the Burdekin home for around 35 years, joined the Community Bank just four months ago. For her, the most rewarding part of the job is si
Read more
Step into Betta Ayr these days and you’ll feel a fresh energy in the air. That's because Dave Jenkins, the store’s new manager, has brought a friendly, homey touch to every corner, drawing on nearly 20 years of local experience in the appliance and electronics industry to make shopping simple, welcoming, and personal for everyone in the Burdekin community. “Trust is a big thing in a small town," says Dave. "Everyone walks through the door with a problem—maybe something’s broken, they want to up
Read more
Rural Women’s Day brought together an inspiring crowd at the Masonic Temple in Ayr on Friday, October 17. Presented by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr in partnership with Wilmar, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, and Keir Steele Waldon, the event recognised the resilience and heart of women across the Burdekin and beyond. Hosted by Bendigo Bank’s Queensland equipment finance manager and Beyond the Farm Gate podcast host, Helen Connick, the day featured live music, a two-course lunch, and captivat
Read more
For more than four decades, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists have been keeping the region’s mechanical heritage alive—and now they’re calling on younger locals to join in and help keep the wheels of history turning. Based in the Brandon Heritage Precinct, the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists (BMP) are a passionate group of about 60 members, many of them retired tradesmen and lifelong tinkerers, who devote their time to restoring and maintaining historic engines, tractors, and machiner
Read more
For one special evening, Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall will come alive with community spirit as guests gather for the Rotary Gala Ball, part of this year’s Harvest Festival. The event will feature live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere, celebrating the people who contribute to the community. Attendees will enjoy a formal sit-down dinner, mingle with fellow guests, and support local initiatives in a night that blends elegance with fun and generosity. The Gala Ball will also honour the
Read more
The King and Queen of the Hill event is back this Saturday, October 25, as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Runners will tackle the challenging course from the base of Mount Inkerman to the scenic lookout and back, testing both speed and endurance in a thrilling competition. Competitors will be divided into multiple age group categories, giving runners of all levels the chance to claim the crown. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners, adding an extra incentive for those chasing glory.
Read more
Watson’s Green will come alive with wagging tails, laughter, and friendly competition on Wednesday, November 5, as the popular Pet Show and Bolt for Bucks return as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Locals are encouraged to bring along their beloved pets—big or small—to compete in a range of fun categories, including Best Dressed, Fastest Eater, Most Unusual Pet, Waggiest Tail, and Best Trick. Awards will also be handed out for the best kept cat, dog, puppy, kitten, guinea pig, reptile, a
Read more
Golfers will swap the sidelines for the fairways on Sunday, November 2, as the Golf Ambrose returns to the Home Hill Harvest Festival lineup. The friendly nine-hole tournament promises a relaxed day on the greens, filled with competition, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs. Teams of four can tee off between 10:00am and 3:00pm, with limited spots available. Entry is $25 per person, which includes a round of golf, a burger, and eligibility for prizes. Awards will be presented for the best overall
Read moreWatson’s Green will come alive with wagging tails, laughter, and friendly competition on Wednesday, November 5, as the popular Pet Show and Bolt for Bucks return as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Locals are encouraged to bring along their beloved pets—big or small—to compete in a range of fun categories, including Best Dressed, Fastest Eater, Most Unusual Pet, Waggiest Tail, and Best Trick. Awards will also be handed out for the best kept cat, dog, puppy, kitten, guinea pig, reptile, a
Read more
Just 83 years young, Burdekin-born-and-raised Cass Arboit’s name is almost synonymous with Burdekin agriculture. Born into a family of Italian immigrants and raised on the family farm, the values of hard work, efficiency, and discipline formed the foundation of everything Cass would become. Over a farming career spanning more than 50 years, Cass witnessed firsthand the evolution of rural life, from the pre-electricity era of the 1950s to today’s modern operations. "We only got electricity in 1
Read more
The Home Hill Rotary Club and Ayr/Home Hill Lions Club were both recognised at last Wednesday's Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting when they received official honorary memberships for their longstanding commitments to the Burdekin Shire. "It's about honouring both the individuals and the clubs as a whole for the work they've done," said Home Hill Chamber president Uli Liessmann. Alf Musumeci of the Home Hill Rotary Club and Nola Nendick of the Lions Club were both in attendance on the night
Read more
Local seniors looking to stay active, healthy and connected can now join the Active and Social Seniors Group at the Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, located at 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr. Eligible participants can take part in individual rehabilitation or group exercise sessions delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Scientists in a welcoming, fully equipped environment. Each session is designed to promote strength, mobility and confidence while encouraging social
Read more
The author of more than 30 books, Kim Wilkins is returning to the Burdekin for two special one-off events, hosted by the Burdekin Readers & Writers Association. Burdekinite’s have a rare chance to attend a meet & greet with Kim, who has been published in more than 20 languages and won numerous accolades, to hear how she’s done it at a newly established pop-up bar at 148 Queen St, along with attending her writing workshop. “We feel very fortunate and honoured that Kim accepted our invite to com
Read more