Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At 4.40pm on Saturday 8 June Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr. As a result a 52yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for unlicenced driving and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June. At 10.00pm on Saturday 8 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr. As a result a 45yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .189 and he is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 July. At 11.35pm on Saturday 8
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On 14 June 2024 a motor vehicle was stolen form an address on Turnbull Road, Home Hill. The offenders then committed numerous other offences between Home Hill and Ayr. Home Hill Police later dealt with a 17-year-old juvenile for seven offences, including Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle and Evading Police under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act. A 14-year-old juvenile was also dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for four offences relating to the matter. On 18 June 202
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The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee carries out outstanding work for the youth of the community, and their importance was generously recognised with Bendigo Bank granting the committee $10,000 as part of their Community Grants. The Burdekin Chaplaincy Committee consists of six Chaplains working in ten local state schools within the Burdekin community. Each Chaplain exists to support the social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of all members of the school community, including teachers, parents
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Tuesday 18 June marked the official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub, with the community now able to access a range of mental wellbeing services under one roof. More than 100 locals – including service providers, community members and groups – came together to celebrate the opening and find out what was on offer at the new facility. selectability Chief Executive Officer, Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vit
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The final of the four Wilmar Sugar and Renewable’s Mills in the Burdekin kicked off production on Tuesday 18 June. General Manager Operations, Mike McLeod was on sight to see the first bit tip at Pioneer Mill at 9:50pm on Tuesday evening along with Pioneer Mill’s Manger Operations, Matthew Norton. A milestone beginning, Pioneer’s start leaves Wilmar at 50% production across all its mills, with half of their structures now producing sugar, molasses, and renewable electricity. Leading the way
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Queensland is intensifying its battle against Varroa destructor by employing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), an Extension and Engagement Coordinator, and establishing new surveillance hives for early pest detection. While varroa mite Varroa destructor has not yet been detected in Queensland, it is currently in New South Wales and the State Government has identified that Queensland needs to be prepared for this pest. The varroa mite is an insidious pest that poses a significant biosecurit
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has urged unions to seriously consider a suggestion made by the company earlier this week in a Fair Work Commission hearing that the parties meet and explore the possibility of independent voluntary arbitration as a means of concluding a new enterprise agreement on fair and reasonable terms. However, Wilmar claims that the two unions did not immediately take up the offer while the third rejected the option. The offer to meet and explore the potential of the option
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$2 million in funding has just been announced by the Queensland Government in hopes of managing the State’s feral pig problem. Feral pigs are widespread across Queensland and cause significant harm as pests. They degrade soil and water quality, threaten native species, spread invasive plants, harm agricultural crops and livestock and can even transmit diseases. More than $2 million in funding has been awarded with four new feral pig management coordinators appointed with a focus on investing
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Rural Quip is a dynamic business which has a dedication to providing the Burdekin community with an abundance of materials to ensure each customer can efficiently fulfill their industrial and farming supply needs. Robert and Annette Oar have owned and operated Rural Quip for 43 years and in coming from a farming background, are highly experienced and knowledgeable on all aspects of the business’s operations, product ranges, and the demands of the Burdekin community. Rural Quip’s product range
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OPINION PIECE I sit here as a Grower/Contractor in the Burdekin and a Representative in the Sugar Cane Industry bewildered, confused, concerned and very frustrated about where our mighty industry is heading and whether there’s even a future for our children to come back to the farm. Now most mills in my area and my representative areas are either not performing to what they should be, or even more concerning aren’t going at all. With the agreed set down date to start around early June, in most c
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing. Services currently available at the Centre include: • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711 • Privat
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This week saw the adoption of Council's 2024/2025 annual Budget. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who helped deliver a great budget that aims to stretch the dollars and strengthen our community. Council is very aware of the stress that the cost of living is having on everyone. Without going through it with a microscope, I can tell you that it equates to an increase of $2 per week for residents on the minimum general rate. This small increase combined with rates s
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget was adopted on Tuesday? I am delighted to have presented the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget. Our new team of councillors, elected in March 2024, worked closely with staff to deliver this budget on time, focusing on serving our community now and into the future. Many have asked for no rate increase, but it would be irresponsible to implement a nil increase. Like any business or household, Council has faced cost increases that we h
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Good day to you all, I'm excited to be joining you all and hope you take a few minutes out of your day to relax, have a cuppa and join me for a catch up. I'm experiencing Burdekin snow (or cane trash depending on who you ask!) for the first time. I know two things for sure - don't put washing out on the line and don't wear white when it's Burdekin snow season! With this in mind and the fact that there is a lot more smoke about, this time of year can bring out allergies and increase the risk o
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On Saturday 22 June, the home of the Burdekin Canetoads hosted a vibrant event to remember for the Burdekin Rugby Union Ladies Day 2024. The theme of the extravaganza was Partying into the Sunset, and over 160 ladies certainly followed suit, looking absolutely beautiful in their sunset tones, with Terzah Menzies taking out a $100 prize for being the best-dressed sunset! The ladies danced the night away with the talents of local musician, Megan Law staged into the night. In a special treat, the
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Embark on an acrobatic adventure these school holidays when the Burdekin Theatre hosts Flipside Circus Workshops on Monday 1 July. The workshops will teach attendees a collection of extraordinary new skills in a fast paced, action-packed environment overflowing with fun. Aiming to supercharge your school holidays, the workshops will entail trapeze, harnessing, hula-hoops, and more! The expertise of the Flipside Circus trainers will have attendees of all skill levels prepped with new ground an
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On Saturday 13 July, The Sunshine Club will light up the Burdekin Theatre’s stage for an evening of entertainment and song. The production has been celebrated nationwide, and tells the tale of Frank Doyle, an Aboriginal serviceman returning home from World War II. Frank discovers the harsh attitudes of those back home in Brisbane and harnesses his defiant energy and ambition to set out for a better life. In doing so, Frank establishes The Sunshine Club. The Sunshine Club hosts a lively enviro
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Back for another year of festivity and fundraising, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held their 23rd Biggest Morning Tea earlier this month and they were once again thrilled with the turnout. An impressive $2,500 was raised on the day and organisers would like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the community. “Our most sincere thanks to every single community member that supported our fundraising efforts - whether by attending or donating,” they said. “To all of our local business hou
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With the Winter school holidays having kicked off on Monday 24 June, there’s plenty of wonderful activities and adventures to tick off your to-do list over the next week and a bit! If you’re searching for a plethora of fun, hands-on activities for your little ones to enjoy, then head to both the Burdekin Library in either Home Hill or Ayr! The Burdekin Library has put together an awesome lineup of creative activities, with at least one event on offer each day! Today, Thursday 27 June, both loc
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The Burdekin Woodcrafts Association is an organisation dedicated to helping men and women of the community to enjoy the satisfaction of making beautiful items from wood. For over 30 years they have helped many people, and their creations are probably found in hundreds of homes in the area. To this end, they try to have up-to-date machinery to make the constructions quicker and easier. This has been helped this month with the with the purchase of a new thicknesser and dust extractor. A thickne
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As the first week of the Winter school holidays comes to an end, it’s time to map out the next 7 days to ensure both you and your kids make the most of your time together before they pop back on their school uniforms. Along with the Burdekin Library’s School Holiday Program, there are plenty of other activities and experiences on offer in this beautiful community for your whole family to enjoy. Inkerman Hill / Charlie’s Hill at Sunset With the winter weather upon us and the sun setting earlier
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Homehill bowls club Thursday winners were Jocyln,Peter, Keith and Jeff. 2 of our Lady members travelled to Townsville too combine with the Magnetic Island bowls club in the NQ PURPLE PENNANTS. The combined team ran 2nd in the competition. Well done Judy Elton and Margaret Linton. 33 players turned out to play on another perfect winters afternoon. RINK 2.Con, Yogi and Glen defeated Sandra, Tony and Bob 28 to 5. RINK 3. Nev W, Joe and Hugh too good for Ross M, Bob P and Henry 23 to 11. RINK 4.H
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On Saturday 22 June, and Sunday 23 June, the Ayr Bowling Club held a jampacked weekend for the Canefire Fours. The event saw plenty of friendly banter and great results across the board, despite kicking off with a chilled, rainy start on Saturday. Many players found the weekend to be the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and form new friendships both on and off the green. The weekend celebrated the following victorious winners; Gus Munro, Crowy, Michell Wright and Jason Wright.
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Friday 21 June saw the Brandon Bowls Club celebrate their players at their Trophy Bowls Evening proudly sponsored by Cignall. 60 bowlers took to the green, once again, having lots of laughs. The winners of the evening were June Zanella, John Hall, and Pancho. The Runners Up were Dave Bycroft, Norm Storrie, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Ypinazar. Third place winners were Steve, Amy, Simon and Jacob. On Sunday 23 June, the Brandon Bowls Club hosted a day filled with competitiveness and sportsmansh
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On Saturday 22 June, Rugby Park was buzzing with a fantastic evening of football. Roosters A Grade were unfortunately beaten 34 – 16 with A Grade Coach Steve Lansley, believing despite the loss the team held the Souths pretty will considering they are the only undefeated team in the A Grade competition. “Our defence is effectively good, but what we have to learn to do now, is finish off movements resulting in tries,” explained Lansley. Roosters A Grade experienced a range of disruptions in
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